Blast 2024: Paul Coughlin grabs one-handed screamer, video goes viral

Cricket continues to deliver, and there's no stopping it. Beyond the T20 World Cup 2024, which has been commanding the attention of most enthusiasts, there js a plethora of cricketing action unfolding globally. In recent days, there have been some remarkable catches, such as Sybrand Engelbrecht's stunning grab against Bangladesh during the mega-event, and a spectacular leaping one-hander in the Bengal Pro T20 2024. Just over a week after Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza's breathtaking take at the long-off boundary in the Blast 2024. A similarly extraordinary feat occurred in the same tournament in the Durham-Lancashire clash.

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Chasing a daunting 219, Lancashire, despite a couple of early wickets, were progressing smoothly, having accumulated 63 runs within the first six overs. Keaton Jennings and Matthew Hurst appeared to be in excellent form, seemingly poised to seize the game. As Paul Coughlin commenced his first over of the day, it was far from an ideal start, with his tally reading "2nb, 1, 4, 4." 

His fourth delivery was similarly subpar, but his reflexes were exceptional. Hurst advanced to a full delivery, effectively turning it into a full-toss, and drove it straight back at Coughlin. The 31-year-old executed a spectacular catch by thrusting out his right hand in front of his face while also averting a body blow. This feat was even more impressive as he managed to stay onto the ball even as he was completely off-balance. The instantaneous reaction left Hurst in disbelief, as he stood in astonishment before reluctantly making his way back to the pavilion.

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Advancing to the final over of the match, Coughlin was entrusted with the task of defending 21 runs. The situation appeared precarious for Durham after the first two deliveries were dispatched for sixes, but Coughlin recovered admirably, conceding just six runs off the remaining four deliveries. The remarkable comeback secured a narrow two-run victory for Durham.