The 22nd match of the ongoing Super Smash T20 tournament in New Zealand showcased a remarkable moment that stole the spotlight during the clash between Wellington and Central Districts on Saturday, January 13. The focus of attention was the dismissal of opener Will Young, where the scorecard credited Nick Kelly with the catch, but the true architect of this sensational play was Troy Johnson, whose extraordinary effort left spectators in awe.
In the sixth over of the Central Districts’ innings, as they chased a target of 148 runs, Young executed an expansive drive straight down the ground, launching the ball into the air. Initially appearing to fall into a no man’s land, the situation took a dramatic turn when Troy Johnson, stationed at either long-off or long-on, exhibited exceptional athleticism.
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Sprinting backward, Johnson executed a stunning dive just near the boundary line to secure a seemingly impossible catch. The momentum, however, posed a challenge, threatening to carry Johnson beyond the boundary. Demonstrating remarkable awareness, Johnson, in a split second decision, strategically released the ball just before making contact with the boundary line.
Here is the video of the catch:
Don’t rub your eyes. It’s real!
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.#SuperSmashOnFanCode pic.twitter.com/J5DRk1U3VA— FanCode (@FanCode) January 13, 2024
The catch was then seamlessly completed by his teammate Nick Kelly. The overall effort was nothing short of sensational, showcasing not only Johnson’s athleticism in catching the ball but also his presence of mind to execute the throw-back to his teammate.
Although this outstanding display of skill by Johnson was a highlight, the match itself saw Central Districts emerge victorious, successfully chasing down the target of 148 runs in under 17 overs.
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Jack Boyle contributed significantly with a brilliant half-century, and Doug Bracewell’s explosive unbeaten 30 off just 11 balls hastened the conclusion of the game. Despite Wellington’s earlier fight to set a competitive total, marked by Logan van Beek’s unbeaten 41 off 24 balls, Troy Johnson’s exceptional effort became the defining moment of the match, earning him well-deserved accolades.
