From Kapil Dev to Amanjot Kaur: Iconic World Cup catches that defined Indian cricket

Then India skipper Kapil Dev’s iconic catch to dismiss the legendary West Indies batter Viv Richards became the turning point of the match. Chasing India’s modest 184-run target at Lord’s, the aggressive No. 3 batter had smashed seven fours during his 28-ball 33. Just when it seemed the game was slipping away, Richards top-edged a delivery from pacer Madan Lal that sailed over Kapil’s head at mid-wicket. Sprinting backwards, Kapil covered remarkable ground to hold on to the swirling ball. West Indies collapsed soon after, bowled out for 140.

S Sreesanth vs Pakistan, 2007 T20 World Cup Final

Pic/X/ @njganesh

India pacer S Sreesanth held on to what was arguably the most high-pressure catch of his career to dismiss Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq (43) and help India clinch the inaugural T20 World Cup in Johannesburg. Chasing 157, Pakistan were 9 down needing six off four balls with Misbah on strike and Mohammad Asif at the other end. Attempting a scoop off Joginder Sharma (2-20), Misbah miscued it to fine leg. Sreesanth, calm under immense pressure, caught it at chest height.

Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa, 2024 T20 World Cup Final 

Pic/Getty Images

At Bridgetown, Barbados. South Africa needed 16 off six balls to chase India’s 177-run target. Hardik Pandya bowled a full toss and David Miller (21 off 17) launched it high over long-off — destined for six. Suryakumar Yadav raced across, caught the ball inches from the boundary, tossed it up mid-air to avoid stepping on the rope, then leapt back in to complete the grab.

Amanjot Kaur vs South Africa, 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Final 

Pic/Getty Images

All-rounder Amanjot Kaur pulled off a nerve-wracking catch to dismiss South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt on Sunday. Batting on 101 off 98 balls, Wolvaardt slog-swept Deepti Sharma but mistimed it. Amanjot sprinted in, fumbled once, juggled the ball a second time, but finally clutched it on the third try.