Five fielders to take most catches in World Cup history

The year is 1999 and this is a group stage match between Australia and South Africa at Leeds. Chasing South Africa’s total of 271, Australia is in dire straits at 48/3. Captain Steve Waugh is steering his team through the danger. At the score of 56, he flicks a shot straight towards Herschelle Gibbs. Gibbs takes the catch but loses the control in celebration; Waugh survives. He scores 120 not out and wins the match for his nation.

Later in the semifinal of 1999 World Cup, these two teams played out a thrilling tie. Thanks to the group stage win, Australia advanced ahead of South Africa. Till date, South Africa has not featured in a World Cup final. That is the cost of one catch in cricket’s flagship event.

Many fielders have dazzled in the World Cup with their fielding skills. Jonty Rhodes, Ricky Ponting, Mohammad Kaif and others swarm into memories. Here are five outfielders who have held most catches in the mega event.

5. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 16 catches

The stalwart of Pakistan cricket usually stood in the first slip. Because of his heavy frame, Inzamam was not effective in the outfield, but he contributed with his close-in catches. In 35 World Cup matches, the Pakistani batsman took 16 catches.

4. Brian Lara – 16 catches

One of the most graceful batsmen in cricket had quick reflexes while fielding. Lara featured in 34 World Cup games and completed 16 catches for West Indies. The left-hander played in five World Cups from 1992 to 2007.

3. Chris Cairns – 16 catches

New Zealand’s all-rounder not only contributed with the bat and the ball but also chipped in with his fielding. Cairns held on to 16 catches from only 28 matches in the flagship event.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya – 18 catches

The Sri Lankan left-hander pioneered a new era in one-day cricket by going berserk in the field-restriction overs. He revolutionized the ODI cricket with his hitting capabilities. Jayasuriya featured in 38 World Cup matches and completed 18 catches.

1. Ricky Ponting – 28 catches

Australia’s most successful ODI batsman was a tremendous fielder. Ponting excelled on the field and ran out plenty of batsmen with his gun throws. Fielding at cover and mid-on, he attracted the audience with his sharpness. The Australian appeared in five World Cups (from 1996 to 2011) and has a record tally of 28 catches.