Martin Guptill took a screamer to dismiss Steve Smith during the New Zealand vs Australia game of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The Kiwi opening batsman has already taken some very good catches in CWC 2019 but the one to remove Smith off the bowling for Lockie Ferguson might his best in this tournament. Many have called the stunning take to be the catch of the tournament. New Zealand vs Australia Live Cricket Score of ICC World Cup 2019 Match.
Trent Boult and Ferguson had already dismissed both the in-form Australian openers Aaron Finch and David Warner to leave the defending champions struggling at 46-2 after 11 overs. While Boult had trapped Finch plumb in-front of the wicket in the fifth over, Ferguson had warner, CWC 2019’s highest run-scorer, caught by wicket-keeper Tom Latham from a bouncer in the 10th over. Pakistan, Afghanistan Fans Engage in Ugly Brawl Outside Headingley Cricket Stadium (Watch Video).
Watch Martin Guptill's Stunning Catch:
Oh, stop booing him you idiots! Steven Smith gets snared by a stunner from Martin Guptill, and what does the civilized crowd at the Lord's do? They boo him. (via: @hotstartweets) #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/HdoeVAxNFq
— Bidhi Singhal (@bidhisi) June 29, 2019
This moment came in the second ball of the 12th over bowled by Ferguson. Both Smith and Usman Khawaja were looking to steady the innings after two early blows when Ferguson threw a short delivery at Smith, who went for the pull shot. He had timed it to perfection towards the leg-gully exactly where Guptill was stationed. He had already clanged two catches before that but not this time! Guptill saw the ball flying away from him and dived full-length to his left, stuck out his hand and snaffled it up from thin air. The catch was deemed to be a heavy contender for the catch of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Smith’s wicket left Australia reeling at 46/3 after skipper Finch had won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia have, however, already qualified for the semi-finals – the first team to reach that stage – while New Zealand are one win away from reaching there.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2019 08:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).