Dubai: Chris Lynn’s catch off AB de Villiers on Thursday will be talked about for a long time. It was the catch that helped win the match for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who looked all set to emerge victorious in the 11th match of the Pepsi India Premier League (IPL) 2014 and extend their winning run.
In response to a question from Gulf News, Vinay Kumar, whose delivery De Villiers hit high towards mid-wicket, hailed Lynn’s presence of mind to remain inside the boundary and complete the catch. “It was an amazing catch and I thought it had gone for a six after hitting Lynn’s hands. Though he slipped, he went backwards to collect the catch. His presence of mind was so good that he made sure he was inside the boundary line and it was an amazing catch and that was the turning point [in our two-run win].”
De Villiers had connected with the ball well enough, but unfortunately he did not play the shot with enough power to clear the ropes. Lynn had slipped even before the ball got to him, but he leapt up plucked the hit bending his back like a pole vaulter back-flipping and flopped to the ground with the ball, ensuring that he did not touch the rope. The whole Sharjah Stadium stood up to watch the acrobatic catch and even Bangalore supporters clapped for him. In all probability, it has the potential be called the catch of the tournament.
So what does Lynn feel about the catch which revealed his athletic traits? “I felt it was a well-connected shot and it was a tough catch to take at that moment. I would have taken it comfortably had I stayed on my feet, I slipped a bit, but I clutched on to it at the last moment. I tried my best not to touch the boundary ropes and I am happy I could catch that one,” he said.
Bangalore pacer Varun Aaron, who spoke on behalf of the losing team, also hailed Lynn’s catch. “The catch, I feel, was the turning point of the match. Lynn batted very well and, if he had stayed on until the end, it would been more trouble for us. I am glad I got him out.”
Though Lynn was hailed by everyone, he was so humble and thanked his team for giving him the opportunity to play alongside some of the legends of the game. “
“It was an unbelievable experience to bat with Jacques Kallis and to get to face Muttiah Muralitharan is an experience I won’t forget, I had faced him twice before this in the Australian T20 tournament. He got me out first ball and then he got me out second ball in the other game that time.”
Lynn even admitted that he was nervous when he was told he would be playing in the match. “It was my second game in the IPL, but my first game for my new franchise. I was pretty nervous this morning when I got told I was playing. I was also nervous when I walked out to bat, but once I got off the mark, the pressure was released. Once I hit my first boundary, I was even more relieved. I knew if I spent more time at the crease, the runs would come easily.”
Lynn made it a memorable match and was rightfully adjudged the player of the match for his 45 runs off 31 balls, and two catches, which included that amazing effort.
