Year Ender 2024: Best Impossible Wickets of the Year - Rishad Hossain & Mitchell Starc Deliver Magic

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As 2024 draws to a close, cricket fans reflect on the unforgettable moments that defined the year. Among them, two spectacular dismissals have etched themselves into the annals of cricketing history—Mitchell Starc's breathtaking delivery in the IPL final and Rishad Hossain's magical leg-spin in the T20 World Cup.

Rishad Hossain’s brilliance came on the grand stage of the T20 World Cup in Dallas, turning the game on its head for Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc’s thunderbolt against Abhishek Sharma during the IPL final demonstrated why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Both dismissals, though different in execution, shared one common thread—pure cricketing genius.

Rishad Hossain’s Masterstroke

The T20 World Cup in Dallas saw an electrifying clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With Sri Lanka poised at 100/3 in the 14th over, Rishad Hossain was handed the ball. What followed was pure artistry. First, he removed Charith Asalanka with a slog-swept catch at deep square leg. Then came the wicket that Bangladesh fans had only dreamt of: Rishad floated one outside Wanindu Hasaranga's leg stump. The ball turned sharply, kissing the bat's edge and flying to slip. Hasaranga, squared up and helpless, could only watch as the catch was taken.

Rishad's next over brought another masterpiece. Dhananjaya de Silva, desperate to stabilize Sri Lanka's innings, attempted a slog sweep. But the ball dipped and spun away, leaving him off-balance. Litton Das whipped off the bails in a flash, sending Dhananjaya back and leaving Sri Lanka in tatters at 109/6. Rishad’s 3/22 turned the match in Bangladesh's favor, and his calm demeanor post-wicket left fans and commentators alike in awe.

Bangladesh clinched the nail-biter by two wickets, with Rishad contributing with the bat as well. His performance cemented his place as a rising star and gave the cricketing world a new leg-spin maestro to celebrate.

Mitchell Starc’s IPL Final Jaffa

In the IPL 2024 final at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Mitchell Starc reminded everyone why he's one of the best in the business. The stage was set for a high-octane clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. SRH's decision to bat first quickly unraveled, thanks to Starc's wizardry.

Facing the fifth delivery of the first over, SRH’s opener Abhishek Sharma—who had a stellar season—fell to an unplayable ball. Starc delivered a good-length delivery that swung late and pitched on middle stump. The ball squared Sharma up, nipped away past his outside edge, and clipped the top of off-stump. Sharma, caught in his crease, had no answer to the brilliance.

This was vintage Starc, delivering when it mattered most. His fiery spell not only dismantled SRH’s top order—taking 2/6 in his opening overs—but also set the tone for KKR’s eventual triumph. Starc's delivery to Sharma wasn’t just a wicket; it was a statement of dominance, silencing critics of his inconsistent league-stage form.

Cricket’s Artistry on Display

Both Rishad Hossain and Mitchell Starc epitomized cricket’s ability to produce moments of unbridled magic. Whether it was Rishad’s artful spin bamboozling a World Cup contender or Starc’s pinpoint precision in a high-stakes IPL final, these wickets transcended the game itself.