Year Ender 2024: Best Impossible Catch of the Year; Suryakumar Yadav to Ramandeep Singh

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The name of Suryakumar Yadav stands out when discussing jaw-dropping moments in cricket this year. His boundary-defying brilliance in the ICC T20 World Cup final left fans in awe, sealing India’s long-awaited ICC trophy win after 11 years.

Impossible catches have defined 2024, showcasing athleticism and skill. From Ramandeep Singh to Radha Yadav, fielders have taken some breathtaking catches on cricket’s biggest stages this year.

These extraordinary moments were more than just catches; they shifted match dynamics and exemplified the growing emphasis on fielding in modern cricket. Here’s a look at the finest efforts of 2024:

Suryakumar Yadav (India vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup 2024)

In the T20 World Cup final, Suryakumar Yadav’s athleticism turned the tide against South Africa. With Hardik Pandya tasked with defending 16 runs in the last over, David Miller launched a shot that seemed destined for the boundary.

Yadav, positioned near the rope, displayed composure under pressure. Stepping outside the boundary before leaping back in, he caught the ball cleanly, leaving commentators and fans stunned. Ian Smith described it as “athleticism at its peak”, and it secured India a historic seven-run victory.

Ramandeep Singh (India A vs Pakistan A, Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024)

Ramandeep Singh’s one-handed catch for India A against Pakistan A in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup was a lesson in agility and presence of mind. As Yasir Khan lofted a shot toward deep mid-wicket, Ramandeep sprinted right and dived full-length to pluck the ball mid-air.

Earlier in the year, he made headlines in the IPL with another spectacular effort for Kolkata Knight Riders – dubbed the 'catch of IPL 2024’ – diving backward at backward point to dismiss LSG opener Arshin Kulkarni.

Radha Yadav (India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Women’s T20 Cup 2024)

Radha Yadav had a standout year with two exceptional catches. In the Women’s T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka, she sprinted diagonally at backward point, diving full stretch to complete a screamer in the first over. Her effort set the tone for India’s dominance.

Later, in an ODI against New Zealand, Radha pulled off a one-handed beauty at Ahmedabad, dismissing Brooke Halliday and sending the crowd into raptures.

Mackenzie Harvey (Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers, BBL 2024)

In the Big Bash League, Mackenzie Harvey produced a gravity-defying moment for Melbourne Renegades against Perth Scorchers. Chasing a mistimed slog from Matthew Spoors, Harvey backpedalled swiftly, timed his leap perfectly, and clutched the ball with one hand before crashing onto his back. The catch drew standing ovations and added to his growing reputation as a fielding maestro.