World Cup 2023: Most Catches in ODI World Cup History

There is quite a famous cricket quote that goes like this, “catches win you matches.” Another, signifying the same importance of catches, is, “drop catch, drop match.” Both of these quotes are extensively used to signify the importance of a catch.

In some matches, a difficult catch could well and truly be the difference between victory and defeat. A catch is probably a wicket in which the team is most involved. This is why catches are celebrated with huge aplomb by the players as well as the spectators.

Catch takers, naturally, receive a lot of praise for their quick thinking and their judgement while doing so. There have been some great fielders who have turned the game on its head by taking great catches throughout the ODI World Cup history.

Some, however, have been quite consistent in taking catches and have risen to the top of record books.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting for example holds the record for taking the most number of catches in ODI World Cup history (28). He took this many catches in 46 matches with 3 being the most number of catches he took in one inning.

Another player who comes close to Ponting’s record is Joe Root who took 20 catches in 17 matches. His catch per innings stands at a sensational 1.176. No other player comes close to Root when it comes to catching per innings record. Root has the chance to break Ponting’s record for taking the most catches in ODI World Cup history when the England team visits India for the upcoming mega event in 2023.

England are the current ODI World Cup holders when they defeated New Zealand in the 2019 final. It would however be incredibly difficult for them to retain the cup as other teams look all set to make their own title charge in India.

Most Catches in ODI World Cup

*Last Updated on 19th November 2023