Australia got off to a dream start in the second ODI against South Africa as Josh Hazlewood struck with the very first ball of the match. However, it was Cooper Connolly who stole the spotlight with a stunning
one-handed catch to dismiss Aiden Markram for a golden duck.
Hazlewood delivered a short and wide ball outside off, inviting Markram to play his shot. The South African batter went hard at the delivery, looking to slap it through the off-side towards cover-point. However, he failed to keep the ball away from Connolly, who was stationed in the region.
Cooper Connolly took one-handed stunning catch
WHAT A CATCH BY COOPER CONNOLLY 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/cfK8zlWyio
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 27, 2026
Connolly reacted instantly, leaping towards the ball and stretching out one hand to complete a spectacular catch. Despite the pace at which the ball was travelling and the distance he had to cover, the Australian fielder managed to get his hand to it and held on brilliantly.
The dismissal left Markram stunned as he walked back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers. The South African batter had barely settled in before Hazlewood and Connolly combined to produce a memorable opening moment.
South Africa lost both openers early
The host lost both openers early on in the innings with Quinton De Kock getting dismissed for mere 15 runs.
However, captain Temba Bavuma stood tall and ended up smashing a brilliant half century to get the team out of danger.
Temba, who has comeback after an injury, ended up smashing his eighth ODI half century.
