Pakistani player Imam-ul-Haq took a jaw-dropping one-handed diving catch while fielding at short leg to dismiss Sadeera Samarawickrama on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka series in Galle.
The Galle International Stadium witnessed an incredible catch, which showed off Imam-ul-Haq’s athleticism at the best.
It was the last over of Day 1 that was marred by plenty of rain, reducing the day to 66 overs. Off-spinner Agha Salman bowled the delivery on length in line with the stumps as Sadeera Samarawickrama came a bit forward to play a defensive stroke.
However, the batter had judged the length incorrectly, and quickly to mitigate he stood his ground with his hands pushing at the off-spinning delivery in front. The ball caught the inside splice of the bat and flew to the right of Imam-ul-Haq who was fielding at short leg.
With milliseconds to react, Imam-ul-Haq put in a full-committed dive and managed to get the ball in his right hand. The fielder had his smarts and caution to cover the ball with his left hand as well while still being in the air, almost horizontal with the ground. Imam-ul-Haq completed the catch safely and lay on the ground in relief and ecstasy of taking a stunning catch.
Sadeera Samarawickrama couldn’t believe the brilliant catch by the short-leg fielder and stood at the crease for a while before trudging off to the dressing room.
Here, watch Imam-ul-Haq’s sensational one-handed catch:
Imam ul Haq you beauty 😘#SLvPAK https://t.co/EkbVtmg3Gy pic.twitter.com/Sm16Ago7wC
— CRICKET JUNOON®️ (@Cricktjunoon) July 16, 2023
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 312 in their first innings in Galle. Dhananjaya de Silva made a fighting 122-run century knock while for Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed took 3-wicket hauls each.
In reply, Pakistan lost early wickets, including skipper Babar Azam for just 13 runs, before batsman Saud Shakeel compiled a brilliant half-century in support of 83 from Agha Salman. At the time of writing, Pakistan have taken a lead and have 4 wickets in hand.
