Plunket Shield 2022-23: William O'Donnell grabs a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss Dale Phillips

On Day 1 of the Plunkett Shield 2022 match on Tuesday, October 18, at Auckland's Kennards Hire Community Oval, William O'Donnell of the Auckland Aces made an absolutely spectacular catch to eliminate Dale Phillips of the Otago Volts.

The Volts lost the quick wickets of Hamish Rutherford, Dean Foxcroft, and Jacob Cumming after having put to bat first. Following that, the Volts were able to bounce back in the game thanks to a 97-run stand between Phillips and Thorn Parkes for the fourth wicket.

Phillips was taken out by spinner William Somerville in the 44th over just as he appeared to be approaching his fifty. The dismissal, however, would not have been attainable without O'Donnell's excellent fielding.

Phillips attempted to play a ramp shot after Sommerville delivered one down the leg side. The batter made a respectable connection and looked like he might score a few runs, but O'Donnell displayed excellent judgment to assist Auckland to take a vital wicket.

The fielder consciously shifted to his left from first slip in anticipation of Phillips' shot. He then took the catch, which was followed by the Auckland players' celebration of the dismissal. With their score at 152, Otago lost their fourth wicket.

WHAT.A.GRAB. An absolute screamer at first slip by William O'Donnell off Will Somerville to remove the dangerous Dale Phillips for 45. #PlunketShield pic.twitter.com/lHrxiWUgYB

— Auckland Cricket (@aucklandcricket) October 18, 2022

Somerville continued to bowl 25 overs while taking three wickets for 51 runs. Otgao was eventually dismissed for 261 runs after 87.2 overs. Otago's score was halted by the two wickets that Sean Solia and Danru Ferns each took. Ryan Harrison and Simon Keene each took one wicket.

Thorn Parks was the leading run scorer for the Volts as he managed to get 54 runs off 81 deliveries, including five fours and a six. Jacob Duffy and Jake Gibson each scored 29 and 18, which helped to push Otago's total above 250 runs.

Otago's Jacob Duffey picked up three quick wickets as Auckland's first innings was reduced to 3/3 by the fifth over and to 9/3 by the end of the day's play.