Kyle Verreynne takes one-handed stunner on day 1 of WTC final 2025
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final between South Africa and Australia got off to an electrifying start as Kyle Verreynne showcased his exceptional fielding skills to send Travis Head back to the dugout on day one of the highly anticipated encounter at the iconic Lord’s.
In the 24th over of Australia’s first innings, Marco Jansen, the South African pacer, delivered a short ball that Head failed to connect properly, leaving the batsman stranded in his crease. Verreynne, stationed at short leg, reacted swiftly to dive to his right, stretching his hand to pluck the ball out of thin air. The crowd erupted in awe as the South African wicket-keeper batsman completed an incredible one-handed grab, sending Head back to the pavilion for 32.
The dismissal was a testament to Verreynne’s agility, reflexes, and anticipation, which allowed him to make the impossible look effortless. The moment was a highlight reel-worthy, and fans on social media couldn’t stop raving about the stunning catch.
Verreynne’s grab not only gave South Africa a much-needed breakthrough but also boosted the team’s morale. Australia, who won the toss and elected to bat, were struggling to build a significant partnership, with Head and David Warner managing only 45 runs for the first wicket.
The Proteas’ bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, were relentless in their pursuit of wickets, and Verreynne’s stunning catch was just the fillip they needed to gain the upper hand. At the end of day one, Australia were struggling at 121/3, still 139 runs behind South Africa’s first innings total of 260.
South Africa’s captain, Dean Elgar, was ecstatic about Verreynne’s incredible catch, praising his wicket-keeper batsman for his outstanding fielding skills. “Kyle’s catch was world-class. It’s not easy to take a catch like that, especially when you’re running at full pace,” Elgar said in the post-match presentation.
Head, who was disappointed to get dismissed in such an unconventional manner, acknowledged Verreynne’s brilliance. “Kyle’s a world-class fielder, and that catch was incredible. I didn’t even see him diving to take the catch, and then I looked up and saw the ball in his hand. It was a great effort from him,” Head said.
As the WTC 2025 final enters its second day, South Africa will be eager to build on their strong start, while Australia will look to regroup and mount a fightback. With the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne still to come, the hosts will hope to capitalize on Verreynne’s stunning catch and put pressure on the South African bowlers.
For now, though, the focus will be on Verreynne’s incredible one-handed grab, which has set the tone for an exciting contest at Lord’s. As the world of cricket continues to marvel at the South African wicket-keeper batsman’s exceptional fielding skills, one thing is certain – this WTC final is shaping up to be an unforgettable encounter.
