Cricket fan pulls off incredible one-handed catch in stands and takes plaudits

11 January 2023 , 20:43

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The fan celebrates his incredible catch (Image: Sky Sports)

The Joburg Super Kings overcame the Durban Super Giants in a thrilling SA20 League encounter - but Faf du Plessis and co weren't the only ones lauded for their display.

In fact, their 16-run win was overshadowed by the antics of a cricket fan who took an incredible one handed catch high up in the stands. And his efforts were roundly applauded by fellow crowd members afterwards.

It was Donavon Ferreira who proved the hero for the away side, blasting 82 not out in just 40 balls as his team racked up 190-6. His knock included eight fours and five big sixes, meaning 62 of his runs came in boundaries.

But there was one fielder he wasn't quite able to clear. For one of his maximums, he danced down the track and unleashed a monstrous hit that comfortably cleared the lower stand, with the ball set to fly into the tier above.

At that point though, one tall male fan leapt up from his chair and lunged to his left. Somehow, he managed to grasp the ball in his outstretched hand, to the astonishment of the commentators and spectators.

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Savouring the moment, he turned and acknowledged the cheers, appearing to pretend to eat the white ball in some form of celebration. After throwing the ball back in play, interestingly with his right arm, he was then see giving a high-five to a youngster.

Ferreira launched his shot into the middle tier (Sky Sports)

Unfortunately for Durban though, they couldn't claim the catch as a dismissal, with Romario Shepherd also lashing four sixes and two fours in his unbeaten 40. They were however, then given hope in their reply by Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers.

The opening pair rapidly put on 98 before Mayers was stumped. And when de Kock was caught and bowled by Ferreira for a top score of 78, the tide turned.

The home side were left needing 21 to win off the final over, but could only knock off five of them. They eventually finished 174-5, as the first edition of the franchise tournament in South Africa continues to impress, following Jofra Archer's dramatic return to action on Tuesday.

Fraser Watson