Northampton: Even as Natalie Sciver struck the fastest T20I fifty (off 24 balls) setting up England’s 18-run victory (DRS method) in the opening T20 in the three-match series, it was India’s Harleen Kaur Deol’s acrobatic stunt to dismiss Amy Jones that became the match-moment.
Jones was batting on 43 when in the 19th over, off Shikha Pandey, when she chipped down the pitch hoping to clear the in-field. The ball was sure-shot to go over the ropes for a maximum.
But, then came India’s all-rounder Deol to throw water on Jones’ plans. Positioned at the long-off, Deol timed her jump perfectly and caught the ball safely. However, when momentum took her over the ropes, she smartly threw it in the air, and then jump back into the field of play to complete the catch.
The on-air commentators were spellbound and couldn’t help but marvel at what had just transpired. Needless to say, the players on the field from both teams were impressed.
Watch the video here:
Deol’s catch is being termed ‘legendary’ and ‘catch of the century.’
The result, however, was not in India’s favour. In reply to England’s 177, India lost Shafali Verma second ball for a duck, but Smriti Mandhana and Deol batted to take the score to 44 before the opening batter was out having hit six fours. Deol was not out on 17 and India had moved to 54/3 in 8.4 overs before rain interfered and the match could never resume.