During the first ODI against South Africa at Boland Park, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf dropped a straightforward catch off Marco Jansen.
Abrar Ahmed delivered a full ball on the middle and leg, which Jansen attempted to sweep. The shot resulted in a top edge that sailed toward backward square leg, where Rauf was stationed.
Positioned perfectly under the ball, Rauf misjudged it, letting it slip through his fingers and fall to the ground. The crowd erupted in laughter, while netizens drew comparisons to Pakistan’s infamous fielding mishaps.
Although Rauf remained wicketless, Abrar Ahmed dismissed Jansen shortly after when Shaheen Afridi took a clean catch. Jansen departed after scoring 10 runs.
Despite the lighthearted fielding blunder, Pakistan secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory, thanks to Saim Ayub’s brilliant 109-run knock during the chase. Earlier, South Africa posted 239/9 after opting to bat.
Openers Tony de Zorzi (33) and Ryan Rickelton (36) provided a steady start before Salman Agha struck to remove both. Heinrich Klaasen top-scored with 86 runs but lacked support from the middle order.
Vintage Pakistan Fielding ☕️ pic.twitter.com/LsYLle96Xe
— 🤸 (@NithinWatto185) December 17, 2024
Salman Agha, named Player of the Match, excelled with both bat and ball. He claimed 4 wickets for 32 runs and made crucial contributions with the bat. Abrar Ahmed picked up 2 wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Ayub chipped in with one wicket each.