Cricket is a game filled with adages, and "Catches win you matches" is almost as old as the sport. There are many metrics that define the greatness of a fielder; runs stopped, direct hits at the stump, run outs effected, and more. However, there is one key metric within fielding that is equally important as it is a visual spectacle and that is the catches taken.
Today, we take a look at some of the best fielders in the history of the ODI World Cup who have registered the most catches for their countries.
Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 28 catches (1996-2011)
Ricky Thomas Ponting is easily the best Australian batter of his generation, which is a huge achievement seeing as he played with some of the greatest players the nation 'Down Under' has ever produced. He sits only behind the great Sir Don Bradman as the greatest Aussie batter of all time. However, he is undisputedly the greatest fielder in ODI World Cup history as he has taken the most catches in the tournament. With 28 catches to his name, no one comes close to the Aussie great, who has 3 ODI World Cups to his name, 2 of which he won as captain.
ODI World Cup record: Innings: 46, Catches: 28, Best in a match: 3 (vs Bangladesh in 1999 WC), Best WC: 11 (2003 WC)
Joe Root (England) - 20 (2015-2019)
Despite playing in only 2 World Cups so far, England's Joe Root has pouched 20 catches in only 17 innings. Despite being touted as a Test specialist, Root has done well for himself, with 1 World Cup to his name that he won in 2019 on home soil. The 2023 ODI World Cup could potentially be his last, so he will look to make the most of this opportunity to leapfrog Ponting.
ODI World Cup record: Innings: 17, Catches: 20, Best in a match: 3 (vs South Africa in 2019 WC), Best WC: 13 (2019 WC)
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)- 18 (1996-2007)
The left-handed opening great from the island nation is credited to changing the way powerplays were played in ODI cricket when he displayed his explosive batting style in the 1996 World Cup, which saw Sri Lanka defy all odds and lift the title. There was no looking back for Sanath Jayasuriya from then on as he went onto establish himself as the greatest batsman from Sri Lanka. He was a very handy bowler but what stood him apart from the rest was his brilliant fielding. A true 3-dimensional player
ODI World Cup record: Innings: 38, Catches: 18, Best WC: 5 (1996 WC)
Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 17 (2003-2019)
The 'Universe Boss' is known for his powerhouse batting in T20 cricket. However, he also has a safe pair of hands, having registered the most catches for his country. The thrusting Jamaican left-handed opening batsman was one of the most entertaining characters in the game thanks to his antic. The sport is poorer without Gayle.
ODI World Cup record: Innings: 35, Catches: 17, Best WC: 5 (2015 WC)
Faf du Plessis (South Africa) - 16 (2011-2019)
A modern South African great, Faf du Plessis rounds of this list of most catches with 16 to his name. A classy right-handed top order batter, du Plessis prides himself on his fitness while fielding. Du Plessis came very close to ODI WC glory in 2015 but an agonising loss in the semifinals to New Zealand left him empty handed. Regardless, the former South African is easily one of the best fielders to have graced the game across all formats.
ODI World Cup record: Innings: 22, Catches: 16, Best in a match: 3 (vs England in 2019 WC), Best WC: 10 (2019 WC)
This rounds up our list of top-5 fielders in the history of the ODI World Cup. This list shows a pattern; the best fielders are the main batters for their team.
Will the 2023 ODI World Cup in India see a bowler shining as a fielder? Only time will tell
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