AB de Villiers has made a strong case for catch of the tournament with this incredible one-handed effort to dismiss Alex Hales in Bengaluru
De Villiers defies logic, gravity in IPL
AB de Villiers is no stranger to superhuman feats of athleticism and the South African superstar was at it again in the Indian Premier League overnight, adding another classic to his already lengthy highlights reel.
Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore against ladder leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad, de Villiers was fielding on the boundary when he reeled in a one-handed screamer to dismiss England batsman Alex Hales.
Somehow managing to defy gravity, de Villiers clung on to the powerfully struck ball and landed inside the ropes, to the delight of his RCB teammates.
Earlier, de Villiers had stuck a speedy 69 from just 39 deliveries to help power Bangalore to 6-218, with his catch proving pivotal as RCB held on to seal a 14-run victory, restricting Hyderabad to 3-204 and keeping their unlikely bid for the playoffs alive.
"It was a crazy game of cricket and we pulled through. I look to put pressure on the bowlers and take it forward if I get one or two (sixes) away," said man-of-the-match De Villiers.
Early in the chase, Shikhar Dhawan (18) and Alex Hales (37) provided a solid platform for Hyderabad.
The score was 2-64 after eight overs when Moeen dismissed England teammate Hales thanks to a brilliant flying catch by De Villiers at deep mid-wicket.
A superb 81 from 42 from New Zealand captain Kane Williamson wasn’t enough for the Sunrisers, whose spot in the finals is assured.
Bangalore must win against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday to have any hope of making it to the play-offs on run-rate.
De Villiers’ catch will rival that of Trent Boult for the title of ‘catch of the tournament’. Playing for Delhi Daredevils late last month, Boult added another spectacular grab to his CV against RCB.
Boult was fielding on the rope at backward square leg when Virat Kohli flicked the ball nonchalantly towards the boundary, and six runs looked set to be added to his name, before Boult intercepted the flying ball.
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