South Africa displayed an impressive batting performance in the third ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom, setting a challenging target of 339 for the visiting team. The opening partnership, led by the openers, laid a solid foundation with a rapid 146-run stand. Aiden Markram further intensified the onslaught with a blazing century off just 76 balls, while Marco Jansen unleashed chaos in the final overs with a sensational onslaught.
The Proteas had the potential to amass an even higher total, but Marco Jansen’s extraordinary innings was cut short by an exceptional catch by Sean Abbott that left the entire stadium in awe. In the 47th over, Jansen had punished Nathan Ellis with a maximum and two boundaries, signaling his dominance.
However, as he attempted to slice a wide yorker from Ellis on the fourth ball, he sent the ball soaring towards deep point. The ball seemed destined to cross the boundary for another boundary or a six when Sean Abbott, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, leaped to snatch the ball from the air.
Running in from deep cover, the 31-year-old threw himself towards the ball, extending his left hand forward. Remarkably, the ball stuck to his palm. Abbott was off-balance and on the brink of falling beyond the boundary ropes, but he somehow managed to leap forward and stay within the playing field while retaining possession of the ball, completing a spectacular catch.
No wonder Kangaroos are found only in Australia 😏 What a leap! #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/9dbJ0SlJ9B
— FanCode (@FanCode) September 12, 2023
Jansen, who had initially believed the ball was headed for a six, couldn’t help but hold his head in disbelief upon witnessing Abbott’s miraculous effort. The Australian team gathered around Abbott, congratulating him for his extraordinary catch, with each player visibly ecstatic, just like the fans on Twitter who couldn’t contain their excitement at the audacity of the catch.