In the second One Day International between South Africa and Pakistan, a moment of sheer brilliance has taken center stage, overshadowing the tactical nuances of the game. Kwena Maphaka, the South African bowler, not only bowled a challenging delivery but also redefined what it means to be a fielding marvel.
Kwena Maphaka takes a screamer
On the last ball of the 36th over Maphaka bowled a length delivery that hurried onto Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s reliable batsman and wicketkeeper. Rizwan, usually so composed, was slightly late on the shot, pushing the ball low towards the off-side. Maphaka, anticipating the stroke, dived forward to his left, snatching the ball out of the air in a feat of athleticism that left spectators in awe.
The wild celebration
The catch was not just a display of skill but also an explosion of emotion. Maphaka’s reaction was one of sheer delight, screaming in celebration as his teammates rushed to congratulate him. This catch was not just about dismissing a key player; it was a testament to the spirit and intensity of cricket.
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Here is the video:
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Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam guides Pakistan to a respectable total
Pakistan managed to 329 with one ball to spare, showcasing a mix of steady accumulation and explosive hitting. Captain Rizwan led from the front, scoring an impressive 80 runs off 82 balls. His innings was the backbone of Pakistan’s total, providing the much-needed stability after early losses. Rizwan’s approach was methodical, ensuring he stayed at the crease long enough to anchor the innings and provide a platform for others to play around him. His knock was crucial, especially considering the earlier collapse of the top order.
Former captain Babar Azam contributed significantly with 73 runs off 95 deliveries. His elegant stroke play was on full display, though his innings lacked the acceleration Pakistan might have hoped for, given the situation. However, Babar’s ability to rotate the strike and his occasional boundaries were pivotal in building a substantial score.
Kamran Ghulam’s fireworks
The real highlight of Pakistan’s batting was Kamran Ghulam‘s quickfire 63 off just 32 balls. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Ghulam’s aggressive batting was a breath of fresh air. His knock included several boundaries and sixes, injecting momentum into Pakistan’s innings. His quick scoring rate helped Pakistan to push the score past the 300-run mark, which was critical in setting a challenging total.