Must Watch: Steve Smith Takes Jaw-Dropping One-Handed Catch, Shocks Sri Lanka

During the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Australian captain Steve Smith once again showed off his skill on the field by dismissing Dunith Wellalage with an incredible one-handed catch. When replacing Pat Cummins, the 35-year-old captain displayed his extraordinary abilities.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, decided to bat first after winning the toss. But the decision didn't work out because the Australian bowlers hit early and put a lot of pressure on the hosts. Asalanka put out a valiant attempt, but Sri Lanka kept losing wickets. In the 26th over, Dunith Wellalage, who had shown some promise, fell prey to Smith's brilliant fielding.

Steve Smith's Outstanding Catch:

Steve Smith has DONE IT AGAIN.

He takes a beauty at slip!#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/kUpTdKOEMI

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 12, 2025

Wellalage tried to compete after Matthew Short bowled a good-length delivery on the off-stump. The ball sailed in the direction of the slip cordon after taking a heavy outside edge. Fans were in full shock as Smith instinctively reacted to it by diving to his right and clutching a spectacular one-handed catch. He once again shows why he is regarded as one of the top fielders in cricket with his amazing reflexes and deft hands. In recognition of Smith's extraordinary athleticism, the audience erupted in cheers. 

Commentators praised the spectacular catch, with Simon Katich calling it a "genius" play and "an absolute beauty." The caller from Sri Lanka also commended the catch, calling it "outstanding" and "truly wild." Smith's outstanding performance, which has seen him collect over 330 catches across all three international formats, continued with his third catch of the innings.

Smith's incredible dive ended a crucial collaboration between Asalanka and Wellalage, further undermining Sri Lanka's ambitions to reach a challenging and competitive total. The hosts had a bad start to the game, losing two important wickets in the opening two overs.  

At 142/8 in the 36th over, Sri Lanka was in serious difficulty as the innings went on. Asalanka was their only chance to recover a respectable total, still battling at the crease with Eshan Malinga. With Australia firmly controlling the match, Sri Lanka was in dire need of a solid alliance to remain competitive. Smith's incredible performance strengthened Australia's domination in the game and gave his stellar fielding career another focus point.

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