South Africa appeared poised for a resounding victory to kick off the 2023 World Cup in style, as they reduced Sri Lanka to 111/4 while chasing a massive target of 429. Although the Proteas briefly felt a jolt from an explosive innings by Kusal Mendis, who hammered 72 runs from just 46 deliveries, they managed to stifle the rest of their opponents before dismissing them swiftly.
However, amid their commendable performance with bat and ball throughout the match, South Africa also provided an unforgettable blooper that would be replayed for years to come – an incredibly embarrassing dropped catch.
The team’s frontline bowler, Kagiso Rabada, was delivering to a struggling Kusal Perera in the seventh over. The opener attempted to break free by heaving at the second ball, but his timing was way off, sending the ball soaring high into the night sky, destined to land within the 30-yard circle.
With skipper Temba Bavuma and David Miller, both outstanding fielders, converging at cover, a wicket seemed inevitable. However, in a shocking turn of events, neither player called for the catch or committed to it, and the ball ultimately fell right between them as they helplessly watched.
— Ishan Martinez (@IshanMarti66419) October 7, 2023
This missed opportunity inevitably brought to mind the iconic incident between Shoaib Malik and Saeed Ajmal over a decade ago in an ODI against West Indies, where a similar dropped catch had captured the cricketing world’s attention. The recreation of such a moment was no different, as Twitter was instantly flooded with humorous reactions.
