After setting a solid first-innings total of 226/8 through robust batting, Pakistan embarked on a similarly promising start, despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Beyond the powerplay, they were scoring at a rate exceeding 10 runs per over.
However, just as Fakhar Zaman was finding his rhythm, the audience was left astonished by a spectacular reflexive low catch from Sodhi.
Following a rooftop maximum against Ben Sears on the penultimate ball of the 8th over, Sodhi delivered a low-full-toss on the first ball of the next over. Zaman attempted to chip it towards the leg side, but the ball caught the outside half of the blade, veering left of the bowler.
In a swift reaction, Sodhi seized the ball with his left hand, completing an extraordinary catch. The wrist-spinner celebrated jubilantly after making the exceptional catch, sending Zaman back to the pavilion after a brisk start.
— Travis Head (@TravisHead8441) January 12, 2024
Generally, catches off one’s own bowling are far from easy, and the broadcasters replayed the grab, noting that it was executed in a mere 0.49 seconds from the time the ball rebounded off the willow. Witnessing this remarkable feat, the Twitterverse expressed awe at Sodhi’s efforts, sharing their enthusiastic opinions.