Most Catches In ODI Cricket

When an act of catching is completed, the bowler takes away the wicket. It is undoubtedly the fielder who puts in all the effort for the wicket. Some players are hailed as “safe hands” and are known for having mastered one certain fielding position. Fielding also evolved with years as many players pull off catches effortlessly.

“Catches win you matches” is a statement that we all agree to. One catch can be enough to take you to the winning land. Players are required to focus on fitness and fielding for clutch moves. The game of cricket has witnessed several iconic fielders who have set a standard for the generation. Here’s a look at the safest hands with most catches in ODI cricket.

Player Name	Country	Matches	Catches
Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka	448	218
Ricky Ponting	Australia	375	160
Mohammad Azharuddin	India	334	156
Ross Taylor	New Zealand	236	142
Virat Kohli	India	274	141
Sachin Tendulkar	India	463	140
Stephen Fleming	New Zealand	280	133
Jacques Kallis	South Africa	328	131
Younis Khan	Pakistan	265	130
Muthiah Muralidaran	Sri Lanka	350	130
Allan Border	Australia	273	127
Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	398	127
Rahul Dravid	India	344	124
Chris Gayle	West Indies	301	124
Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	445	123

1. Mahela Jayawardene 

Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene is undoubtedly one of their finest ODI players. As a fielder, he excelled at catching inside the 30 yard circle. Apart from his terrific batting records, he’s the only fielder to have crossed the 200 catches mark in ODIs. Jayawardene once took 4 catches in an innings, but for the ACC Asian XI.

2. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting is not only remembered for his aggressive batting but also his flying catches. Ponting always directed himself towards the slip or backward point. No other Australian player has been able to challenge Ponting’s fielding records till date.

3. Mohammad Azharuddin 

Azhar’s ODI career was a massive success yet his statistics remain unheard. The former Indian skipper is the second most successful captain of India in ODIs. Former cricketer R Shridhar said, “Mohammad Azharuddin of 1985 to 1990 would have been a brilliant fielder now”. Azharuddin took 4 catches in an ODI against Pakistan in 1997.

4. Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor was a classic middle order batsman for New Zealand. The modern era Kiwi went on to become legend in the 50 overs format. He is New Zealand’s most successful batsman and fielder in ODIs. In 2010, Taylor registered 4 catches in an ODI against India.

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has mastered all aspects of ODI cricket. A prolific batsman, handy bowler and a sprinting fielder. Virat can often be seen at the slips and also pulling off acrobatic efforts near the boundary lines and inside the circle.

6. Sachin Tendulkar 

Sachin Tendulkar’s contribution in bowling and fielding undoubtedly deserves more attention. Sachin had the safest hands when it came to the slips. In 1998, Sachin claimed 4 catches in an ODI innings against Pakistan.

7. Stephen Fleming 

Stephen Fleming has been a successful Kiwi skipper, batter and fielder. Fleming was effortlessly good at the slips and other in circle positions. Fleming pulled off 4 catches in an innings against England in 2007.

8. Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis, the name will be visible everywhere in South Africa’s ODI records’ book. The former all-rounder is the most successful batsman and fielder of South Africa. Kallis registered majority catches either at the slips or off his own bowling.

9. Younis Khan

Younis Khan is Pakistan’s most successful fielder in ODIs. He was terrific Test fielder too with individual records of most catches in an innings. Khan primarily fielded in the slips. He registered the record of 4 catches in an ODI innings twice in his career.

10.  Muthiah Muralidaran 

Sri Lankan spin wizard, Muralidaran had the safest hands for both spinning and fielding. His deceptive deliveries led to many caught and bowled dismissals. Murali has been involved in 35 caught & bowled dismissals in ODIs.

Also read: 10 Players With Most Catches In IPL – Suresh Raina Tops the List

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