WATCH: Stuart Binny pulls off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Fawad Ahmed in WCL 2026
The India Champions began their World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating the Australia Champions by 46 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. While the defending champions produced several standout performances with the bat, it was Stuart Binny‘s stunning fielding effort that provided the most memorable moment of the contest.
With Australia Champions reduced to their final wicket during the run chase, Binny produced a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Fawad Ahmed. The effort, which looked almost straight out of a superhero movie, brought the Australian innings to an end and sparked jubilant celebrations among the India Champions players.
Stuart Binny produces a ‘Superman’ effort to dismiss Fawad Ahmed
Australia Champions were 150/9 when Ahmed faced Piyush Chawla in the 17th over. Looking to clear the infield, Ahmed attempted a slog sweep and struck the ball firmly towards the mid-wicket region.
However, Binny had other ideas. Stationed inside the circle, Binny quickly read the trajectory of the ball before launching himself towards his left. The former India all-rounder stretched out fully and managed to grab the ball just inches above the ground.
The spectacular effort immediately drew cheers from his teammates and brought the Australian innings to a close at 150 in 16.2 overs. The catch was particularly impressive given the athleticism and timing required to complete it. Binny’s effort quickly became one of the biggest talking points from the opening match, with the stunning grab adding the perfect finishing touch to India’s victory.
Here’s the video:
Stuart Binny pulls off a STELLAR catch to seal India Champions’ victory 😎
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Yuvraj Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni shine as India Champions beat Australia Champions
Earlier, Australia Champions won the toss and opted to field, hoping to restrict the defending champions to a manageable total. India did not have the smoothest of starts. Ambati Rayudu was dismissed for just four runs, while Binny, batting at No. 3, contributed a brisk 13 from nine deliveries. His short stay included a huge six over deep mid-wicket.
Naman Ojha then chipped in with 31, but India were placed under pressure at 75/3 by the 10th over. That was when captain Yuvraj Singh took control of proceedings. The left-hander rolled back the years with a sensational 71 off only 44 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and six sixes as he dismantled the Australian bowling attack and completely changed the momentum of the innings.
Yusuf Pathan provided valuable support with an unbeaten 35, while Rishi Dhawan added a quickfire unbeaten 37. Their contributions helped India Champions finish on a formidable 196/7 from their 20 overs.
Australia Champions appeared to be in a strong position during the early stages of their chase. D’Arcy Short came out attacking and smashed 65 from just 28 deliveries, including four boundaries and six sixes. He also shared a 50-run opening partnership with Joe Burns, who scored 45 from 32 balls. With Australia reaching 100/1 inside eight overs, the target appeared within their grasp.
However, the chase eventually lost momentum as the India Champions fought their way back into the contest. Australia were ultimately bowled out for 150 in 16.2 overs, handing India a convincing 46-run victory. Dhawal Kulkarni was the pick of the bowler for India, taking a brilliant 4-wicket haul. Mohit Sharma also sizzled with 3 wickets.
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