Where does Ben Stokes’ incredible take against South Africa rank in the history of World Cup catches?

Ben Stokes may end this World Cup having pulled off its greatest catch its very first match. But where does it rank in the storeyed history of incredible takes on the biggest stage in cricket? VOTE NOW!

Mark Waugh dives to dismiss Wajahatullah Wasti in the 1999 World Cup final.

• Dwayne Leverock: the catch that shock the world
• Ben Stokes catch ‘the best I’ve ever seen’
• Stokes the star as Poms crush Proteas

Ben Stokes isn’t the first cricketer to leave jaws of onlookers on the floor.

The World Cup is rich with classic catches and great takes. here are six of the best:

Jesse Ryder New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2011

Chasing 218 for victory in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Sri Lankan pair Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan were travelling well. Until the intervention of Jesse Ryder.

A nothing sort of delivery from Tim Southee was sliced through point seemingly out of the reach of Ryder stationed there. But a staggering dive made up the ground, Ryder holding on despite falling awkwardly.

Mark Waugh Australia v Pakistan 1999

In the 1999 final Pakistan opener Wajahatullah Wasti was removed courtesy of a glorious slip catch by Mark Waugh, one of the best ever to be stationed there.

Wasti edged a ball from Glenn McGrath wide of third slip, with Waugh diving to his right and literally taking the chance with both hands.

Ben Stokes England v South Africa, 2019

Running backward toward the boundary rope, England allrounder Ben Stokes leapt high and took an improbable one-handed catch on the stretch to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo. It sparked gasps in the crowd at The Oval and amazement across social media.

“It’s the best catch I’ve ever seen in the flesh,” former England spinner Graeme Swann posted on Twitter. Ex-England captain Nasser Hussain labelled it the greatest ever catch.

Stokes said it was a “regulation catch” if he had been in the right position. “I was further in than I should have been,” he said. “Luckily it stuck.”

Kapil Dev India v West Indies 1983

With India all out for 183 in the 1983 final, West Indies were expected to stroll to a third consecutive world title.

But then the great Viv Richards, set on 33, heaved one towards midwicket, where Dev had ground to make up before taking the catch. It proved a turning point as it started a flurry of West Indies wickets that eventually saw them come up short in the chase.

Dale Steyn South Africa v Pakistan 2015

The long tradition of South African fielding excellence was witnessed once more at the last World Cup, where Dale Steyn showed athleticism and incredible hand eye coordination to removed Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad.

Is there anything he can't do?! What a catch from Dale Steyn! 😱 #ThrowbackThursday

Posted by ICC Cricket World Cup on Thursday, 4 October 2018

Shehzad and opening partner Sarfaraz Ahmed had combined for 30 before Shehzad mistimed a shot to Kyle Abbott towards Steyn. Dashing in from mid-on, the leap and concentration were rewarded with a classic catch.

Dwayne Leverock Bermuda v India 2007

Not perhaps the most athletic, nor the most significant, but still one of the best loved and most fondly remembered catches in World Cup history.

The big Bermudan celebrated in disbelief when he went down on one knee and sort of, almost dived to take a one — handed slip catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa, the Indian opener.

Cue wild celebrations and a legend born in front of our eyes.

Originally published as Where does Ben Stokes’ incredible take against South Africa rank in the history of World Cup catches?