Cricket World Cup 2022: Ash Gardner takes incredible catch in Australia v South Africa

Ash Gardner pulls off an incredible outfield catch. Photo / Getty

Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner has pulled off one of the great World Cup catches to ignite her side's powerhouse clash against South Africa.

Gardner was backtracking when she threw one had in the air and caught Mignon Du Preez off the bowling of spinner Jess Jonassen.

Commentator Nasser Hussain said Gardner's acrobatic effort was as good as Ben Stokes' freakish World Cup effort against South Africa, which was hailed as superhuman.

Hussain was in the commentary box for Stokes' catch, proclaiming: "No way, you cannot do that Ben Stokes. That is remarkable".

On Gardner's catch, Hussain said: "Brilliant from Ash Gardner, what a cricketer she is … came in a couple of yards and then she was backtracking, she had to go one handed. She's amazed herself."

He added: "I was lucky enough to see that Ben Stokes catch at The Oval … that is just as good from Ash Gardner."

Ash Gardner pulls off an incredible outfield catch. Photo / Getty

All Du Preez could do was laugh as she was dismissed for 14 from 13 balls, helping South Africa post 5-271 batting first.

Both the Australians and South Africans were unbeaten heading into the game, with Australia's passage to the semifinals already guaranteed.

That was insane. A ridiculous one-hander from Ash Gardner on the rope sees Du Preez head back to the dugout.

In comes Tryon, SA 5-228 in the 46th over #CWC22

— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) March 22, 2022

Ash “Air” Gardner - so good @FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/dHdOSKDDKZ

— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) March 22, 2022

Ash Gardner might have some legal issues with MJ after taking that catch pic.twitter.com/pZYlcC5jjw

— Nathan Brookes (@BrookesyNat) March 22, 2022