In the history of the ODI World Cup, fielding has always played a critical role in deciding the outcome of matches. While batting and bowling often get the spotlight, the contribution of fielders is equally important. One of the most impressive feats in fielding is taking multiple catches in a single innings. In the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup, several players have set records by grabbing three or more catches in one innings, showcasing their sharp reflexes and commitment on the field. Let’s explore the top 10 players who have achieved this rare milestone.
List of 10 Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup History
10. Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns from New Zealand displayed exceptional fielding skills during the 1996 World Cup. In a match against the United Arab Emirates at Faisalabad, Cairns completed 3 catches in a single innings, marking his name in the list of Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup. His performance contributed significantly to New Zealand’s easy victory as his catches dismissed key opposition players. Such a display of athleticism was rare in that era and remains memorable Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Chris Cairns |
| Catches | 3 |
| Matches | 215 |
| Runs | 4950 |
| Team | New Zealand |
| Opposition | UAE |
| Ground | Faisalabad |
| Match Date | 27 Feb 1996 |
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9. Allan Border
Australian legend Allan Border was renowned for his batting, but during the 1992 World Cup, he etched his name in the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup by taking 3 catches against Zimbabwe in Hobart. His swift movements and sharp eyes helped Australia stay dominant in the field, preventing Zimbabwe from gaining momentum. Border’s contribution with the ball and in the field was vital in ensuring Australia’s control over the game.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Allan Border |
| Catches | 3 |
| Matches | 273 |
| Runs | 6524 |
| Team | Australia |
| Opposition | Zimbabwe |
| Ground | Hobart |
| Match Date | 14 Mar 1992 |
8. Ijaz Ahmed
Ijaz Ahmed of Pakistan made his mark in the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup during a 1992 match against Australia at the W.A.C.A. Ground. His three sharp catches helped Pakistan take control by removing key Australian batsmen. His fielding brilliance was crucial in Pakistan’s overall World Cup campaign, which ultimately led them to their first-ever World Cup victory. Ijaz’s catching ability showcased how fielding could complement bowling strength.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Ijaz Ahmed |
| Catches | 3 |
| Matches | 232 |
| Runs | 6564 |
| Team | Pakistan |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | W.A.C.A. Perth |
| Match Date | 11 Mar 1992 |
7. Dermot Reeve
Dermot Reeve from England demonstrated his exceptional fielding skills against Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup, held at Adelaide. By taking 3 catches in one innings, he joined the elite list of players with the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup. His sharpness in the field helped restrict Pakistan’s batting lineup, proving that fielding can be as impactful as bowling in shifting the course of the game.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Dermot Reeve |
| Catches | 3 |
| Matches | 29 |
| Runs | 219 |
| Team | England |
| Opposition | Pakistan |
| Ground | Adelaide |
| Match Date | 1 Mar 1992 |
6. Clive Lloyd
West Indies captain Clive Lloyd was not just famous for his powerful batting but also for his sharp fielding. In the first-ever World Cup in 1975, Lloyd captured 3 catches against Sri Lanka in Manchester, securing his place in the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup record books. His leadership combined with his fielding excellence helped West Indies dominate the tournament, which they eventually won.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Clive Lloyd |
| Catches | 3 |
| Matches | 87 |
| Runs | 1977 |
| Team | West Indies |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Manchester |
| Match Date | 7 Jun 1975 |
5. Joe Root
Joe Root from England showcased brilliant fielding skills during the 2023 World Cup by taking 4 catches against Afghanistan in Delhi. His outstanding field presence placed him prominently among the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup achievers. Root’s precise fielding efforts helped dismantle the Afghan batting order and added to England’s strong performance in the tournament.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Joe Root |
| Catches | 4 |
| Matches | 177 |
| Runs | 6394 |
| Team | England |
| Opposition | Afghanistan |
| Ground | Delhi |
| Match Date | 15 Oct 2023 |
4. Chris Woakes
In the 2019 World Cup, Chris Woakes from England delivered an exceptional fielding display by taking 4 catches against Pakistan in Nottingham. This achievement placed him among the elite in the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup records. Woakes, usually celebrated for his bowling, proved his value in the field as well. His efforts kept the pressure on Pakistan, even though England lost that particular match.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Chris Woakes |
| Catches | 4 |
| Matches | 121 |
| Runs | 1397 |
| Team | England |
| Opposition | Pakistan |
| Ground | Nottingham |
| Match Date | 3 Jun 2019 |
3. Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal of Pakistan made headlines in the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup during the 2015 World Cup against Ireland in Adelaide. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Akmal was quick to grab every opportunity behind the stumps, completing 4 catches in that innings. His brilliant keeping and sharp reflexes were instrumental in Pakistan’s convincing victory over Ireland.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Umar Akmal |
| Catches | 4 |
| Matches | 121 |
| Runs | 3194 |
| Team | Pakistan |
| Opposition | Ireland |
| Ground | Adelaide |
| Match Date | 15 Mar 2015 |
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2. Soumya Sarkar
Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar delivered a memorable fielding performance during the 2015 World Cup match against Scotland in Nelson. Taking 4 catches in a single innings, Sarkar became part of the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup history. His agility and sharpness on the field helped Bangladesh contain Scotland’s runs, leading to an important win that boosted Bangladesh’s confidence in the tournament.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Soumya Sarkar |
| Catches | 4 |
| Matches | 72 |
| Runs | 1768 |
| Team | Bangladesh |
| Opposition | Scotland |
| Ground | Nelson |
| Match Date | 5 Mar 2015 |
1. Mohammad Kaif
Topping the list for the Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup is Mohammad Kaif of India, who was known for his lightning-fast fielding. In the 2003 World Cup against Sri Lanka at Johannesburg, Kaif took 4 catches in a single innings, a record that still stands strong. His energy and speed in the field made a significant difference, aiding India in securing a vital win during their World Cup campaign.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Mohammad Kaif |
| Catches | 4 |
| Matches | 125 |
| Runs | 2753 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Johannesburg |
| Match Date | 10 Mar 2003 |
These remarkable fielding efforts have cemented these players’ names in the records of Most Catches in a Single Innings in ODI World Cup. Fielding, often overlooked, can turn the tide of a match, as these players have shown through their sharp reflexes and determination. As World Cups continue to evolve, future players will aim to surpass these records, adding new chapters to the legacy of brilliant fielding in cricket’s biggest tournament.