Stumpings are one of the thrilling moments in cricket, which not only influence the match but also make unforgettable moments. This article highlights the top 10 lightning-fast stumpings in International Cricket. These super speed-stumping moments by wicket-keepers demonstrate their involvement in the game and their instant reflexes. Such moments are etched in the history of cricket.
1. MS Dhoni
Captain MS Dhoni is one of the players with incredible skill and speed behind the stumps as a wicket-keeper. He is known for his two remarkable stumping moments in the history of International cricket. In a match against Australia, Dhoni noticed that the Batsman Peter Handscomb’s backfoot was out of the crease and dismissed him by quickly removing the bails. Another similar stumping was done by him during the T20I against Australia in 2012. Dhoni stumped Mitchell Marsh in just 0.09 seconds.
2. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara showcased his stumping skills in various matches, holding a record of 10 best stumpings. In 2007, while playing against West Indies, he executed a real quick stumping of Brian Lara. When Brian Lara missed an off-drive, Sangakkara hit the bails in a split second. Another remarkable performance by him was back in 2003 against Australia. He stumped Jimmy Maher, who stepped out of the crease with great precision.
3. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum’s stunning stumping of Ricky Ponting in the 2011 World Cup match remains one of the best stumping moments in the history of cricket. Ponting aimed and missed the tricky wide delivery by Tim Southee; meanwhile, McCullum removed the bails in a flash. Despite a target of 207, Australia had a strong opening partnership, but Southee’s delivery and McCullum’s lightning-fast stumping added to the victory of Australia.
4. Dinesh Karthik
In a match against England, Dinesh Karthik made his debut and excelled as a wicketkeeper by stumping Michael Vaughan. Michael Vaughan missed the wide delivery by Harbhajan Singh, and Karthik gathered the ball and made a massive dive from eight feet down the leg side to break the stumps. This spectacular stumping has left a lasting impression.
5. Adam Gilchrist
In 2005, Glenn McGrath faced a rare stumping when Adam Gilchrist chose to stay behind the bowling pace, and New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan lost the ball. The ball reached Gilchrist, and he responded immediately, hitting the bails. It was the first time McGraw was being stumped in his career. This extraordinary stumping became a memorable moment in the history of cricket by setting a record.
6. Ben Cox
Ben Cox’s lightning-fast stumping of Callum McLeod in the match between Worcestershire and Scotland is one of the fastest stumpings in cricket. McLeod aimed for a great shot but missed by a change in pace. In seconds, Cox gathered the ball and took off the bails. This incredible performance showcased Cox’s concentration.
7. Mark Boucher
Mark Boucher, the celebrated South African cricketer, displayed his incredible stumping abilities during the 2005-06 tri-series in Australia. Marvan Atapattu of Sri Lanka tried to hit but, the ball brushed his pads and landed in Boucher's palms. Boucher flicked the ball with great speed onto the stumps. This excellent stumping highlighted Boucher's wicket-keeping skills.
8. Bradley Barnes
In a 2018 U19 cricket match between India and South Africa, an unusual stumping incident occurred. South African spinner Yaseen Vallie bowled outside off, and Tiwary missed. Wicketkeeper Bradley Barnes quickly removed the bails, appealing for a dismissal. However, the replay showed Tiwary safe inside the crease. This quirky stumping attempt remains an unusual moment in cricket.
9. Kamran Akmal
Pakistan wicketkeeper and batsman Kamran Akmal reached his first 100 stumpings in T20 cricket, which is a remarkable feat. Earlier he faced criticism of his wicket-keeping game when he got this milestone in the National T20 Cup that was between Central Punjab and South Punjab, he made history. He stumped South Punjab skipper Shane Masood.
10. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock showcased his impressive stumping skills in the match between South Africa and Australia. In the 24th over, spinner Keshav Maharaj tested Australian batsman Marcus Stoinis with a complicated delivery that turned sharp. Stoinis lost his balance but kept his feet in the crease. De Kock, like MS Dhoni, collected the ball away from the stumps but soon moved to the bails still in the gloves. He removed the bails, dismissing Stoinis in an exceptional display of wicket-keeping.
