Marnus. Labuschagne (source :
vitalityblast
In cricket, a phrase has always been said, “Catches win you matches.” The same happened on June 20 evening during the T20 Blast where Marnus Labuschagne provided such a moment, pulling off a sensational catch that left fans and fellow players in awe.
The match between Glamorgan and Gloucestershire was already shaping up to be an exciting contest when Labuschagne, fielding at long-on, made a catch that would soon be talked about far beyond the boundaries of Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
As Gloucestershire’s Ben Charlesworth lofted a drive off legspinner Mason Crane, few would have thought what was about to take place. Labuschagne, known for his excellent fielding skills, sprinted to his right and launched into a full-length dive. He managed to hold onto the ball with his right hand, mere inches from the ground.
Another angle of THAT Marnus Labuschagne screamer 😱 https://t.co/5noIZtYwu7 pic.twitter.com/SjfeYbIuWN
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 20, 2024
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Gloucestershire have the last laugh
Labuschagne himself seemed stunned by his achievement, breaking into a joyful sprint as his teammates gave chase in celebration. This catch not only removed Charlesworth but also reduced Gloucestershire to a precarious 45/5 in the 10th over, swinging the momentum towards Glamorgan’s favor.
The spectacular nature of the catch immediately drew comparisons to another iconic moment in Australian cricket history.
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Twenty-five years earlier, Adam Dale had made a similarly incredible catch for Queensland against New South Wales at the Gabba. Dale’s catch, like Labuschagne’s, is still considered one of the best catches in history.
“I remember diving, and I still remember the stick [of the ball]. It was a nice moment, but I do think I was out of position,” Dale told cricket.com.au on the 25th anniversary of his catch.
Despite Labuschagne’s heroics, the match itself proved to be a nail-biter. Gloucestershire managed to get back into the game as Josh Shaw hit a six off the last ball, clinching a two-wicket victory that had seemed impossible at one moment.