Watch: Ben Stokes takes brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss AB de Villiers

Ben Stokes proved that catches indeed win matches as he pulled off a stunner to dismiss AB de Villers. Records tumbled at Bloemfontein as England secured a 39-run win over hosts South Africa. Among the brilliant batting performances by most of the English batsmen was a master class from Jos Buttler. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed a brilliant century, propelling the English to a massive total of 399 in their quota of 50 overs.

In reply, the Proteas got off to an indifferent start. In spite of the rain clouds looming over the horizon and losing the wicket of Hashim Amla early on, Quinton de Kock proved his worth with the bat courtesy of an unbeaten 138. Although Faf du Plessis supported de Kock with a brilliant half-century, it wasn’t enough to overhaul the mammoth England total.

The most memorable moment of the South African innings came with the dismissal of AB de Villiers. As important and crucial as the wicket was, the catch by Ben Stoke on the deep mid-wicket boundary. The England all-rounder pulled off a brilliant one-handed catch on the boundary. De Villiers, who had thought that he had packed enough punch in the shot to take it over the boundary stood in shock.

The crowd behind Stokes stood awe-struck. As they say, ‘Catches win matches’. The catch by Ben Stokes, as amazing as it was, tipped the match back in the favour of the visitors.

JP Duminy and Rilee Rossouw fell in quick succession before the heavens opened up and the Duckworth-Lewis method coming into the picture. The calculation showed that the Proteas were 39 runs behind the par score, thus conceding the 1^st ODI by 39 runs. Quninton de Kock was named the player of the match.

Watch: Ben Stokes takes brilliant one-handed catch

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