In the second ODI of the ongoing series between Australia and Pakistan, held at the iconic Adelaide Oval on Friday (November 8), Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan delivered a remarkable performance, setting a new benchmark in wicketkeeping.
Mohammad Rizwan’s stunning performance against Australia
On a day of exceptional wicketkeeping, Rizwan achieved a historic feat by matching the world record for the most catches in a single ODI innings. Rizwan held onto six catches, demonstrating remarkable agility and sharp reflexes. His exceptional display behind the stumps played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s control over the Australian batting. However, the record-breaking performance was nearly flawless, save for one slight lapse in concentration – Rizwan missed a seventh catch when he dropped a skier offered by Adam Zampa off the bowling of Naseem Shah in the 34th over.
Rizwan matches remarkable feats of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Adam Gilchrist
Despite this, Rizwan’s overall performance remained outstanding, and his six catches saw him joining the ranks of eight other wicketkeepers, including his compatriot Sarfaraz Ahmed, who have achieved this rare feat. The record of six catches in an ODI innings is no small accomplishment. Rizwan’s remarkable achievement places him alongside the best in the business. Australian legend Adam Gilchrist holds the record for the most instances of six catches in an ODI innings, with four such feats to his name, further underlining the significance of Rizwan’s performance. His flawless keeping was not just a personal triumph but also an indicator of his leadership, which inspired Pakistan’s bowlers to execute their plans effectively on the field.
Also WATCH: Shaheen Afridi’s spectacular delivery to dismiss Jake Fraser-McGurk in the second ODI
Pakistan’s bowling led by Haris Rauf decimate Australia
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers put on a masterclass in the second ODI, reducing Australia to just 163 runs, marking their lowest-ever total in the first inning in an ODI. The Pakistan pacers, led by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, delivered an awe-inspiring display, dominating the Australian batting line-up from the outset.
Rauf, the standout performer, took five wickets, completely dismantling the Australian middle order. The Rawalpindi-born pacer, who had already contributed three wickets in the first ODI, came back with a vengeance, ensuring that Australia had no chance of recovering after the early breakthroughs. Shaheen set the tone with the new ball, removing both Aussie openers—Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short within his first few overs.
As the innings unfolded, Rauf’s destructive spell ensured Australia’s collapse. He finished with five wickets, while Shaheen supported him with three. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem also contributed by picking up one wicket each, leaving Australia with no answers to Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack. Steve Smith was the top scorer for Australia, managing just 35 runs in an otherwise dismal batting performance.