WATCH – Cricketing world goes berserk over Ben Stokes’ ‘greatest catch ever’ in World Cup

Ben Stokes had already starred with the bat when he blasted 89 during the England innings against South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 encounter at The Oval on Friday. With the ball, England struck at regular intervals with Jofra Archer proving to be the star. The Proteas were looking to fight back with Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen smashing fifties. However, England was simply on top and no one illustrated it better than Stokes, who took possibly one of the best catches in the World Cup. The incident occurred in the first ball of the 35^th over bowled by legspinner Adil Rashid.

Rashid bowled a flighted delivery outside off and Phehlukwayo dragged the slog sweep to deep midwicket. The left-hander had made good contact and it looked like the ball would sail over for a six. However, Stokes had other ideas. Perched near the boundary, jumped backwards and took a one-handed catch near the boundary to send Phehlukwayo back for 24. The cricketing world went berserk with Stokes’ catch and England made a big statement with a resounding 104-run win against South Africa.

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Social media were in meltdown over Stokes’ catch and many termed it as the ‘best catch ever’. Many even called the nominations for the catch of the tournament to be closed immediately. Here is a sample of some of the tweets.

Have you EVER seen a better catch? 🔥
Ben Stokes with a grab that has to be seen to be believed!#WeAreEngland #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/rpN04OxVTk

— ICC (@ICC) May 30, 2019

BEN STOKES. pic.twitter.com/sfgkhgcFID

— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) May 30, 2019

That, right there, is one of the best catches you will ever see from Ben Stokes. #CWC19 #ENGvSA #ENGvsRSA #WorldCup2019 #ICCWorldCup2019 #ICCWC2019 pic.twitter.com/hQLOUydrKD

— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) May 30, 2019

Big win that by @ECB_cricket team. They showed why they are one of the fav to lift the #worldcup2019 #BenStokes the best all rounder in one day cricket right now ????

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 30, 2019

Ben Stokes has just taken one of the greatest catches you will EVER see!#CWC19 #ENGvSA #WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/JOVtocargn

— Cricket Guy (@thepslt20guy) May 30, 2019

South Africa will take on Bangladesh in their next encounter on June 2 at The Oval while England take on Pakistan on June 3 in Trent Bridge. South Africa had lost to Bangladesh in the 2007 World Cup while England have been dominant against Pakistan, beating them 0-4 in the recently concluded five-match ODI series with one match being declared a no-result due to rain. This will be the first World Cup encounter between England and Pakistan since the 2003 World Cup, when England got the better of Pakistan in Newlands thanks to a sensational spell of bowling from James Anderson.

HIGHLIGHTS

• England registered a big win against South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
• England will take on Pakistan in their next encounter.
• South Africa will take on Bangladesh at The Oval.