Cricket fans were treated to a moment of sheer brilliance during the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria when Steve Smith pulled off a jaw-dropping one-handed catch that left everyone in disbelief. Known for his sharp reflexes and unwavering focus, Smith once again showed why he’s regarded as one of the finest slip fielders in the modern game. His acrobatic effort to remove Victoria’s Fergus O’Neill instantly became the highlight of the match and a trending moment across social media.
Sean Abbott’s fiery spell rattles Victoria’s batting order
Before Smith’s stunning grab lit up the contest, Sean Abbott had already done significant damage with the ball. The seasoned pacer delivered a masterclass in disciplined fast bowling, finishing with incredible figures of 4/18, dismantling Victoria’s middle order and ensuring they were restricted to a modest 171/9 in their second innings.
Victoria opener Marcus Harris stood firm amid the collapse, top-scoring with a well-compiled 58. However, with Abbott finding rhythm and Nathan Lyon weaving his spin magic, scoring runs became a daunting challenge for the Victorian batters. Lyon also chipped in with 2/52, maintaining relentless pressure and setting the stage for Smith’s magical moment at slip.
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Steve Smith’s moment of magic leaves fans stunned
The unforgettable moment came during Nathan Lyon’s over. Lyon tossed up a delivery that drifted and turned sharply, forcing left-hander O’Neill to attempt a cut shot in search of a scoring opportunity. The shot, however, wasn’t timed perfectly, resulting in a thick outside edge.
The ball raced off the bat with incredible speed, angling sharply toward the first slip region. Smith, stationed at slip, had barely any time to react. In a split second, he flung himself to his left, extending his arm fully to pluck the ball out of thin air.
The catch was not only about reflexes—it was about anticipation, balance, and athletic brilliance. Smith managed to hang onto the ball as he fell backward, his eyes never leaving the red leather. The crowd at the venue erupted in awe, and his teammates rushed in celebration, acknowledging the extraordinary effort.
Here’s the video:
Steve Smith that is RIDICULOUS 🤯 #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/M87dUvNLCU
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 12, 2025
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