Top 10 Best Catches in Cricket History - 2025 Updated

Fielding is very important in modern-day cricket. It is a key aspect of the game alongside batting and bowling, and is given equal importance. In cricket, “Catches Win Matches” is a very common phrase. On many occasions, a catch from nowhere has shifted the game's momentum. However, efficiency and consistency are important. Today, an excellent fielder may change the game with a single dive, run-out, or catch.

In 2025, the standards will have never been higher, with athleticism, reflexes, and anticipation as important as sheer skill. Fielders with remarkable catching talents are valuable assets, greatly contributing to their team’s success. For the same, the cricketers need to be fit to showcase their best ability on the field for the country or in franchise cricket. In this article, we dive into the top 10 best catches in cricket history.

Ranking Factors

We will be ranking the best catches in cricket history as per the fielders and not catches taken by wicket-keepers. We have ranked all the cricketers on the following ranking factors, which are mentioned below.

• Athleticism: Athleticism lies at the foundation of current fielding excellence. Today's finest fielders aren't simply reactive, but explosive. Whether it's a full-stretch dive to save a boundary or a leaping catch at the boundary ropes. Fielders must remain razor sharp for every ball in every game.
• Reflexes: Reflexes are a critical ranking factor when evaluating the best catches in cricket history, especially for those taken in close-in positions or at lightning speeds. It's not just for their difficulty, but because they seem almost superhuman in real time.
• Match Context & Pressure: A spectacular catch taken in a bilateral series may dazzle, but when the same level of brilliance occurs in a high-stakes match, like a World Cup final, knockout game, or IPL eliminator, its impact is more than in the bilateral series.

Top 10 Best Catches in Cricket History

Here's the list of players who have taken best catches in cricket history:

Who took the World Best Catches in Cricket History?

Jonty Rhodes of South Africa has the record for taking the best catches in cricket history. He changed the fielding entails in the modern game. Jonty converted fielding into a weapon in an era when it was typically overlooked in favour of batting and bowling. He had lightning-fast reactions, electrifying movement, and a fearless attitude that set the standard for all following generations of fielders. Over the years, he has taken some greatest catches in cricket history.

10. Ricky Ponting | 2006 | vs Sri Lanka

Ricky Ponting was one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He was a fantastic batter of his era. But he was also known as one of the best fielders the game has ever seen. The former Aussie skipper had quick reflexes, and his safe hands and aggressive fielding made him the most valuable asset to the team.

Ponting's best catch came against Sri Lanka in 2006, remains one of the finest displays of athleticism and awareness in cricket history. He was fielding at extra cover, reacted with lightning-fast reflexes. He dived horizontally to his left, fully outstretched, and plucked the ball mid-air with one hand to dismiss Russel Arnold during the VB Series 2005-06 final.

9. Ravindra Jadeja | 2019 | vs England

Ravindra Jadeja is a fielding sensation who makes the unthinkable appear effortless. Jadeja's amazing quickness over the turf, along with his acute anticipation, sets him distinct. Most batters are unaware that Jadeja is already at the ball, cutting off singles and preventing boundaries with incredible ease. His rocket arm is possibly the most deadly in the game.

His catching is just as impressive. Jadeja seldom misses anything, whether it's a low screamer at point or a full-stretch jump in the outfield. One of Jadeja’s extraordinary catches was against England in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was brought on to the field as a substitute for KL Rahul, took a stunning catch to dismiss Jason Roy, he completed the catch diving forward at long-on.

8. Kieron Pollard | 2014 | vs Rajasthan Royals

Kieron Pollard has long been remembered for his impressive six-hitting ability that can change a game in one over. Pollard's presence at the middle of the order ensures fireworks for all involved and makes him one of the world's best finishers. Except for his hitting skills, he has been an exceptional fielder across formats for the West Indies and in various leagues as well.

Pollard has taken some of the best catches in cricket history in the IPL. His iconic catch against the Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL) is remembered as one of the greatest boundary catches in the tournament’s history. This was named as the catch of the tournament during that time.

7. Glenn Phillips | 2025 | vs India

Glenn Philips has emerged as one of the finest cricketers in modern-day history. The Kiwi all-rounder has been regarded as a physically fit cricketer who is an excellent fielder. He has been described as a "compact, muscular hitter, known for playing outrageous shots. His batting ability has been known to many, but he has been more famous due to his fielding efforts.

Glenn Philips took one of the world best catches in cricket history against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, group stage game. Phillips reacted in 0.62 seconds with his outstretched hand and completed the catch to dismiss Virat Kohli. Even the former India skipper was stunned after the Kiwi fielder completed the stunning catch.

6. Yuvraj Singh | 2002 | vs South Africa

Yuvraj Singh is one of India’s most underrated cricketers, known for his explosive batting, athletic fielding, and indomitable spirit. Yuvraj's career is defined by several unforgettable moments. He has not got the light, or he should have got it for winning the two-player of the tournament award in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups. He changed the dynamics of Indian fielding alongside Mohammad Kaif.

Yuvi's one of the best catches in indian cricket history against South Africa in 2002 is widely remembered as one of the earliest signs of India’s rise in modern fielding standards. The match took place during the ICC Champions Trophy (then called the ICC KnockOut Trophy). It helped to remove Jonty Rhodes and completed a one-handed blinder mid-air.

5. Glenn Phillips | 2024 | vs Australia

Glenn Philips has emerged as one of the finest cricketers in modern-day history. The Kiwi all-rounder has been regarded as a physically fit cricketer who is an excellent fielder. He has been listed once again in the list of the world best catches in cricket history. The Kiwi batter has taken some brilliant catches in recent times.

One such catch came against Australia in the 2024 test match. He was fielding in the gully with Marnus Labuschagne batting on 90, and the catch, described as "Superman-like" by some. Tim Southee bowled a hard length delivery that Labuschagne attempted to cut aerially. Phillips, fielding at gully, made a diving catch to deny him the century. This has been one of the best catches in cricket history.

4. Ben Stokes | 2019 | vs South Africa

Ben Stokes is one of the most dynamic all-rounders in modern-day cricket. Stokes' match-winning knock during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Stokes has changed the dynamics of Test cricket, along with England's head coach Brendon McCullum, who started a new dawn of playing cricket in the game's traditional format.

Stokes's brilliant fielding ability became visible in the 2019 ICC ODI World Cup. It is often hailed as one of the greatest catches in history. The moment arrived in the 35th over of South Africa’s chase, when Quinton de Kock tried to loft Adil Rashid, Stokes charged backward from the deep mid-wicket position to take a one-handed catch in the air.

3. Jonty Rhodes | 2002 | vs Australia

Jonty Rhodes has been one of the best fielders in cricket history. His most memorable performance was Inzamam-ul-Haq's flying run-out in the 1992 World Cup. His throws were flat and accurate, his dives were premeditated, and his hands were like glue. Jonty made fielding cool, crucial, and game-winning.

Rhodes, one of the best catches in cricket history, came against Australia in 2002. When Mathew Hayden cut the ball unfortunate batsman struck the ball firmly through the off side, only to find Jonty Rhodes, who dived and took a blinder catch with both hands. The South African made sure to shock everyone, making it one of the greatest catches in cricket history.

2. AB de Villiers |2018| vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

AB de Villiers is not only remembered for his unconventional batting but also as one of the finest fielders cricket has ever seen. Throughout his career, AB employed athleticism, lightning-quick reflexes, and terrific adaptability to raise fielding to an art form. His drive to fitness and sharpness helped to enhance fielding standards not only in South Africa but around the world as well.

Mr.360's one-handed catches, length-of-the-body dives, and acrobatic boundary saves became signature moves in each of the formats he played. One such one-handed catch came during the IPL 2018 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Alex Hales launched a well-timed shot off Moeen Ali toward deep midwicket, and AB de Villiers, often referred to as "Superman," pulled off a one-handed stunner mid-air.

1. Jonty Rhodes | 1997 | vs India

Jonty Rhodes is largely regarded as the best fielder in cricket world's cricket history. He is a revolutionary person who reinvented what fielding entails in the modern game. He made fielding cool, crucial, and game-winning. Then budding cricketers growing up watching him aspired not only to score hundreds, but also to fly like Jonty.

Jonty Rhodes came against the best batter in world cricket, Sachin Tendulkar. He even shocked the ‘God of Cricket’ with his exceptional fielding abilities. The Proteas cricketer delivered a moment of brilliance during the Pepsi Independence Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Fielding at backward point, Jonty Rhodes launched himself into the air, diving full-stretch to his right, and managed to pluck the ball inches off the ground.

Format-wise Best Catches in Cricket History

Cricket has evolved in different formats. Tests, ODIs, and T20s have all featured fielding. Each format necessitates various skill sets, and some of the best catches in cricket history reflect these distinct challenges. Test cricket is the ultimate test of patience and reflexes. Close-in fielders, particularly those with slips or short legs, must remain vigilant for hours. One-day internationals mix endurance and intensity, forcing fielders to balance ground covering with quick reflexes. T20 is a fielding revolution, with speed, creativity, and boundary awareness dominating.

Top 5 Best Catches in T20I

Glenn Phillips has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying fielders in T20I cricket, frequently executing gravity-defying catches that combine agility, reflexes, and boundary awareness. His exceptional agility and balance near the ropes, as well as his diving one-handers and boundary catches, have earned him a place among the best fielders.

Top 5 Best Catches in ODI

Jonty Rhodes has the record for taking the best catches in ODI history. He has taken some amazing catches in ODI cricket. The South African cricketer changed the fielding entails in the modern game. Jonty converted fielding into a weapon in an era. He made fielding cool, crucial, and game-winning.

Top 5 Best Catches in Test

In the history of Test cricket, several cricketers have distinguished themselves not only with the bat or ball but also with their incredible reflexes and unwavering concentration in the field. A good fielding or catching team always makes a huge difference for any team. Glenn Philips' catch in the gully to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne is one of the best catches in test cricket.