Not even Trent Boult’s teammates could believe it.
Some laughed, others put their head in their hands as they digested the New Zealand fast bowler’s classic catch in the outfield during Friday’s third one-day international against Bangladesh in Wellington.
Watch Live Coverage of The 2020/21 Marsh Sheffield Shield on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
As Bangladesh chased the home team’s daunting 6/318, opener Liton Das put the foot down, racing to 21 from 20 balls.
He wanted to maintain the rage against speedster Matt Henry, trying to whip a ball from outside off stump through the leg side but got a thick leading edge that sailed over the slips cordon.
Running around from third man, Boult made good ground then dived full stretch to catch the ball one-handed just before it hit the turf.
Boult’s face told the story, barely able to comprehend what he’d pulled off as the left-arm quick grasped the ball in one hand and pointed to the sky with the other as he held his pose.
New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen was patrolling the boundary when Boult took his screamer and was seen laughing in the background, while Henry simply shook his head.
Former Black Cap Craig McMillan was in awe in commentary.
“What a catch that is! It’s a one-hand speccy from Boult! That’s special,” he said. “He’s done it here before and he’s done it again.
“What an absolute ripper.
“The ability … to actually keep hold of it once his arm hit the ground — remarkable.”
McMillan’s co-commentator added: “Wow. Doesn’t he do well. Brilliant Trent Boult, absolutely brilliant.
“Oh my word, that is unbelievable.”
Boult’s acrobatics reduced Bangladesh to 3/26 after seven overs and gave Henry his third wicket of the innings, before the tourists lost another wicket and stumbled to 4/48.
Earlier, Devon Conway’s 126 from 110 balls and an unbeaten 100 off 92 balls from Daryl Mitchell in just his third game helped the Kiwis power past 300.
New Zealand won the opening two matches of the ODI series.