World Cup 2019: Pakistan have dropped most catches in the tournament so far, India least

The old proverb of ‘Catches win matches’ still applies with golden certainty when it comes to winning cricket matches. But not teams are abiding by this in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Former champions Pakistan, for instance, have done terribly in securing catches in their five matches played so far (one was washed out) as they let go 14 of them, the highest for any side in this tournament.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side plays New Zealand in a very crucial game at Edgbaston on Wednesday for they must win the encounter to stay relevant in the competition. However, although Pakistan thumped South Africa in their last game at Lord’s, winning against a powerful New Zealand who are yet to drop a game in this tournament, will not be easy. Certainly not if they keep on spilling the opponent batsmen’s lives.

England are at No.2 spot with 12 drops which went up to 13 after James Vince dropped a chance against Australia. None of the remaining 10 sides have spilled catches in two-digit figures. Then there is the team that sits on top of the points table New Zealand. The Kiwis generally considered a very good fielding side have dropped 9 catches in this tournament so far.

India have dropped only one catch so far

The best team in terms of catching in this World Cup has been India who have spilled only one in four matches (one was abandoned). The Indian fielder who proved to be butter-fingered on one occasion was KL Rahul in the match against Pakistan at Old Trafford on June 16. The second best team after them is another Asian side, Afghanistan. Though they haven’t managed to win any matches in the ICC event, the team has done a good job and grassed only a couple of chances.

Coming back to Pakistan, the side has former New Zealand cricketer Grant Bradburn as their fielding coach but their shoddy performance will definitely out him under the scanner. He had taken over in September last year from Australian Steve Rixon. South Africa has also been generally a good fielding unit, but this time around nothing seemed to work for them. They’re knocked out of the tournament having dropped 8 catches.

Here is CricViz’ data for the catches dropped in the World Cup so far:

Pakistan have now dropped 14 catches in this World Cup – the most of any team in the tournament. India have dropped just one catch. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/VA5zbux7uc

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) June 23, 2019