World Cup: 18 Years On, The Catch Still Reverberates
IslandStats.com
Eighteen years ago today, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda etched their name into cricketing folklore, becoming the smallest nation ever to grace the ICC Cricket World Cup. Their encounter with cricketing giants India on March 19th, 2007, remains a cherished memory for Bermudian sports fans and a defining moment in the nation's sporting history.
The occasion, played out in the vibrant atmosphere of the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad, was always going to be a David versus Goliath contest. Bermuda, a team of part-timers, faced an Indian side boasting some of the world's most iconic cricketers.
Bermuda's captain opted to field after winning the toss, a decision that would soon see them facing a batting onslaught. India proceeded to amass a formidable 413-5, with Virender Sehwag unleashing a blistering 117. Delyone Borden emerged as Bermuda's most effective bowler, claiming 2-30 in his five overs.
However, the defining moment of the innings, and indeed the entire World Cup, came courtesy of Dwayne "Sluggo" Leverock. Off Malachi Jones's very first delivery of the tournament, Leverock, a police officer by day, produced a gravity-defying, diving catch at slip to dismiss Robin Uthappa. The image of the jubilant Leverock, arms outstretched, became an iconic symbol of Bermuda's passion and spirit.
In reply, Bermuda faced a daunting task. David Hemp, their sole professional player, who plied his trade with Glamorgan, provided a defiant resistance. He struck an unbeaten 76, featuring nine fours and a six, showcasing his class against a world-class bowling attack as Bermuda were bowled out for 156.
Eighteen years on, Bermuda's World Cup adventure remains a source of immense pride. It serves as a reminder of the power of sport to unite a nation and create lasting memories. The image of Leverock's catch continues to be replayed, ensuring that Bermuda's historic participation in the 2007 World Cup will never be forgotten.
font size=2>India Inning
..03 (04) Robin Uthappa c Dwayne Leverock b Malachi Jones ..89 (114) Sourav Ganguly st Dean Minors b Delyone Borden 117 (87) Virender Sehwag c Malachi Jones b Kevin Hurdle ..29 (29) MS Dhoni c Janeiro Tucker b Delyone Borden ..83 (46) Yuvraj Singh c Malachi Jones b Dwayne Leverock ..57 (29) Sachin Tendulkar Not Out ..07 (02) Rahul Dravid Not Out ..31 Extras (7lb-7nb-17w) 413 Total for 5 wickets after 50 overs
Fall of Wickets: 1-3 (Uthappa), 2-205 (Sehwag), 3-238 (Ganguly), 4-269 (Dhoni), 5-391 (Singh)
Bermuda Bowlers
10.-0-53-1 Kevin Hurdle 7.0-0-74-1 Malachi Jones 9.0-1-67-0 Janeiro Tucker 2.0-0-32-0 David Hemp 10.-0-96-1 Dwayne Leverock 5.0-0-30-2 Delyone Borden 7.0-0-54-0 Lionel Cann
Bermuda’s Inning
..00 (06) Oliver Pitcher b Zaheer Khan ..09 (16) Steven Outerbridge b Zaheer Khan ..13 (38) Delyone Borden LBW Munaf Patel ..76 (105) David Hemp Not Out ..00 (10) Irving Romaine LBW Anil Kumble ..00 (06) Janeiro Tucker b Anil Kumble ..21 (36) Dean Minors c sub (KD Karthik) b Ajit Agarkar …00 (02) Lionel Cann c Uthappa b Ajit Agarkar ..0 (04) Kevin Hurdle b Ajit Agarkar ..09 (31) Dwayne Leverock c MS Dhoni b Sachin Tendulkar ..01 (08) Malachi Jones LBW Anil Kumble ..27 Extras (12lb-3nb-12w) 156 Total All Out after 43.1overs
