Steve Smith takes a stellar catch (Source:@7Cricket)
Australian captain Steve Smith showcased his brilliance on the field with a breathtaking one-handed catch to dismiss Dunith Wellalage during the ongoing first ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Talking about the match, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, won the toss and opted to bat first. But the decision did not pay off well as the Australian bowlers made early inroads. Despite a fighting knock from skipper Asalanka, the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals. Dunith Wellalage, who looked promising, fell victim to Steve Smith in the 26th over.
Steve Smith's Stellar Catch
Matthew Short delivered a good-length ball on the off stump, Wellalage attempted to defend. However, the ball took a thick outside edge and flew towards the slip. Reacting in a flash, Smith flung himself to his right and plucked a stunning one-handed catch out of thin air. Smith’s exceptional reflexes and safe hands once again proved why he remains one of the best fielders in the game. After the stunning catch, fans sitting in the crowd applauded Smith for his incredible effort. Take a look at the wicket in this video.
The sensational effort for Smith at first slip ended a budding partnership between Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage and further dented Sri Lanka’s hopes of posting a competitive total.
Sri Lanka's Disastrous Start
The match got off to a disastrous start for Sri Lanka, losing two crucial wickets within the first two overs. Currently, they find themselves struggling at 142/8 in the 36th over, with captain Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga at the crease. Australia is firmly in control, and for Sri Lanka to have any hope of posting a competitive total, Asalanka and Malinga must forge a strong partnership.