[Watch] Sadeera Samarawickrama Takes The Smartest Catch In Cricket History vs AFG

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Jatin Khandelwal

 

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama took what could be claimed as one of the smartest, if not the, catches in cricket history to dismiss Afghanistan batsman Rahmat Shah.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan kick-started the only Test match of the tour on Friday at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. The hosts bundled the visitors for 198, courtesy of a four-wicket haul from Vishwa Fernando. But the talking point among the fans was Sadeera Samarawickrama’s unbelievable catch of Rahmat Shah.

Samarawickrama showed an incredible presence of mind and brilliance in nimbleness and aided by some luck, he pulled off an outstanding catch.

On the first ball of the 46th over of Afghanistan’s innings, bowled by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, Rahmat Shah, a senior Afghanistan batsman, went low on one knee to cheekily sweep a full ball that was in line on the legside.

However, as soon as Rahmat Shah took out his front foot, Sadeera Samarawickrama, realising the intention of the shot from the batsman, moved to his left; in fact, Samarawickrama was so quick on his feet that he was a considerable distance away from the stumps.

Sadeera Samarawickrama

Rahmat even connected the ball; thinking that it was going to the fine leg region, he even moved out of his crease to take runs. However, he was astonished to see that the ball went straight to Sadeera Samarawickrama, who did very well to hold onto the catch. Samarawickrama was lucky to get the ball straight into his body, but he had made that luck by showing great reactiveness to Rahmat’s shot selection.

Watch: Wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama pulls off one of the greatest catches

[Watch] Sadeera Samarawickrama Takes The Smartest Catch In Cricket History vs AFG

Also, the commentator pointed out that Samarawickrama started his movement after Rahmat Shah had got into the position to play his shot. So this means that the new rules of fielders not permitted to move before the batter plays the shot was not broken here.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: James Anderson’s Record Of Most Maidens In India Is Jaw-Dropping

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