CWC 2023 [WATCH]: Shardul Thakur takes a sensational catch at the boundary to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz during IND vs AFG clash

In the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 clash between India and Afghanistan at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Indian seamer Shardul Thakur exhibited extraordinary fielding prowess.

Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, elected to bat after winning the toss, and they were making steady progress at 63/1. However, a significant turning point in favour of the Men in Blue occurred in the 13th over.

Shardul Thakur’s phenomenal boundary catch results in Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s dismissal

On the fifth delivery of the over, Hardik Pandya delivered a short ball to Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who instinctively pulled it towards the boundary. The ball was headed directly for Thakur, who was stationed near the boundary rope at deep fine-leg. Thakur skillfully managed to catch the ball just before crossing the boundary. Sensing that the momentum would carry him over, he cleverly released the ball back into the field of play. Thakur promptly re-entered the field, leaped and completed the catch, resulting Gurbaz’s dismissal.

The on-field umpire sought confirmation of the catch from the third umpire, and the subsequent review validated its legality, leading to Gurbaz’s dismissal.

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Thakur continues to leave his impact

Thakur’s remarkable boundary catch was complemented by his immediate impact with the ball. He removed Rahmat Shah, further hindering Afghanistan’s progress and reducing them to 63/3 by the 13th over. With the game’s momentum now in favour of the Men in Blue, they will sought to capitalize on this advantage by taking more wickets and solidifying their position in the match.

Here’s the video: 

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