Young right-arm seamer Nathan Smith took a stunning catch in the opening match of the ongoing Super Smash 2021-22 between defending champions Wellington Firebirds and last year runner-up Canterbury kings on Friday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. He showed his athleticism on the fine-leg boundary to send back Canterbury opener Ken McClure for a duck.
The incident took place in the first over of the pacer Hamish Bennett. McClure flicked the delivery off his pads with some decent timing, but Smith, who was standing at the fine-leg boundary, had some other ideas.
Smith took the catch while running towards his right, but couldn’t stop himself from crossing the boundary. The 23-year-old fisted the ball in the air inside the boundary line and jumped back to complete the stunning catch. McClure was left stunned with Smith’s brilliance and quietly walked back to the dugout.
Here’s the video:
NATHAN SMITH STOP IT! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MfSmeEVtc9
— Cricket Wellington (@cricketwgtninc) November 26, 2021
In the match, after being asked to bat first, Wellington posted a total of 177/7 on the board in their stipulated 20 overs. Wicket-keeper Finn Allen and batter Luke Georgeson gave their side a flying start and added 89 runs for the opening wicket. Canterbury’s pacer Ed Nuttall took three wickets for his team.
Allen’s swashbuckling fifty, along with Luke Georgeson (30 off 22), Michael Bracewell (27 off 17) and Jamie Gibson’s (22 off 19), powered Wellington to a solid total of 177 runs.
In reply, Canterbury got bundled out for 150. Wellington’s all-rounder and captain Michael Bracewell took three wickets, while Bennett and Smith picked up two wickets each. Wellington won the match by 27 runs.
