It’s a well-known saying in cricket that “catches win you matches.” Marnus Labuschagne produced a similar moment during the T20 Blast on June 20th evening, astounding both fans and fellow players with a breathtaking catch.
It was looking like a thrilling game between Glamorgan and Gloucestershire when Marnus Labuschagn, fielding at long-on, produced a catch that would soon be spoken about far beyond the confines of Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Few could have predicted what was about to happen as Ben Charlesworth of Gloucestershire lofted a shot off legspinner Mason Crane. Renowned for his superb fielding abilities, Labuschagne dashed to his right and dove into a deep dive. With his right hand, he was able to hang onto the ball just inches off the ground.
Another angle of THAT Marnus Labuschagne screamer 😱 https://t.co/5noIZtYwu7 pic.twitter.com/SjfeYbIuWN
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 20, 2024
Marnus Labuschagneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee pic.twitter.com/b5J7dpetk5
— Glamorgan Cricket 🏏 (@GlamCricket) June 20, 2024
Gloucestershire’s final chuckle
As his teammates pursued him in celebration, Labuschagne appeared taken aback by his accomplishment and burst into a jubilant gallop. By removing Charlesworth and bringing Gloucestershire down to a dangerous 45/5 in the tenth over, this catch turned the tide in Glamorgan’s advantage.
The catch was so amazing that people started comparing it to another famous occasion in Australian cricket history right away.
When Queensland played New South Wales at the Gabba twenty-five years prior, Adam Dale had produced an equally amazing catch. Like Labuschagne’s, Dale’s catch is still regarded as one of the greatest in baseball history.
“I still recall the ball’s stick from my diving experience. In an interview with cricket.com.au on the 25th anniversary of his catch, Dale said, “It was a nice moment, but I do think I was out of position.”
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The match itself turned out to be suspenseful despite Labuschagne’s valiant efforts. Josh Shaw’s six off the final ball allowed Gloucestershire to tie the match, and at one point it looked like they would win by two wickets.