Babar Azam is the gift that keeps on giving, be it with exquisite cover drives, horrendous slumps, unexpected flashes of brilliance, or as was the case in Faisalabad on Tuesday, with inexplicable celebrations. The talisman went on a frenzy after a simple catch against the Proteas in the first ODI.
South Africa were bundled out for 263 in the first of three ODIs against Pakistan at the Iqbal Stadium as Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed starred with three scalps each while the returning Quinton de Kock highscored for the tourists with 63 off 71 balls. The wicket-keeper batter had stitched an indomitable 97-run opening stand with debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius but the wickets kept tumbling thereafter as no other pair managed to put together more than 44 runs in a partnership. The downfall in particular became sharp in the 34th over, with the Proteas losing five wickets in the ensuing 10 overs. Babar Azam also contributed to the collapse with a catch off Abrar to dismiss Donovan Ferreira which led to some unusual scenes.
On debut, Ferreira had looked scratchy throughout his 10-ball stay and decided to cut loose with a big hoick off the mystery spinner. However, he was beaten by the flight as the Kookaburra soared high in the air with Babar at long off positioned under the white rock. The veteran made no mistakes in pouching the catch with a reverse-cup and barely showed any emotions despite the fairly challenging take given how high the ball went. However, just as the cameras were begin to pan away, Babar pointed towards the middle with eyes popped out and put the burners on to sprint towards his teammates screaming in delight. More animated gestures followed, including fist pumps and playful shoves with teammates while Ferreira trotted back to the pavilion.
Twitterati was left perplexed but thoroughly amused.
What was that?
Fun in the field 👑🔥🇵🇰❤️
— RizZjoRD (@Uff_RizzJoD)
Great!
Most catches for 🇵🇰 by a non-wicketkeeper since Babar Azam's debut.
— KING🇵🇸🍁 (@KING_____56)
160 - Babar Azam
103 - Fakhar Zaman
67 - Salman Ali Agha
62 - Shadab Khan
58 - Mohammad Nawaz
Nice record!
Most catches for 🇵🇰 by a non-wicketkeeper since Babar Azam's debut.
— Ahsan Shah (@ahsan_shah90)
160 - Babar Azam
103 - Fakhar Zaman
67 - Salman Ali Agha
62 - Shadab Khan
58 - Mohammad Nawaz
LOL!
Toxic Babar Azam fan inside me is waiting for a wicket
— Scarlett (@cookiecrumpie)
Oh my god!
My dad is back home after 3 days in the hospital.
— Haider Abbasi (@HaiderKAbbasi)
He said he’s looking forward to Babar Azam’s 100 tonight.
Fans!
My dad is back home after 3 days in the hospital.
— Haider Abbasi (@HaiderKAbbasi)
He said he’s looking forward to Babar Azam’s 100 tonight.
Huge fan base!
Nation is truly falll in love with
— iqra 👑 (@iqra61087609)
you Babar Azam 😭❤️
Getting the love and respect he truly deserves 👑 x 🐐 |
He is good at it!
Most catches for 🇵🇰 by a non-wicketkeeper since Babar Azam's debut.
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman)
160 - Babar Azam
103 - Fakhar Zaman
67 - Salman Ali Agha
62 - Shadab Khan
58 - Mohammad Nawaz
He will do it for you!
now babar azam ur turn please 💯.
— ShahJahan (@ShahJahanba56)
Comments
Leave a comment0 Comments