Mohammed Siraj was at his best in the ongoing second One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday. After being asked to bowl first, Siraj took the opportunity with both hands and delivered an exceptional spell to ensure the Proteas didn’t reach a massive score.
Siraj picked up three wickets in his quota of 10 overs while conceding only 38 runs, including a maiden. He drew first blood, dismissing South Africa opener Quinton de Kock for just 5 runs. Siraj then removed the dangerous Reeza Hendricks for a well-made 74. The right-armer then sent back Keshav Maharaj (5) in the final over to complete his three-wicket haul.
Apart from his splendid bowling, Siraj also exhibited his tremendous fielding skills when he picked up an absolute blinder to give Kuldeep Yadav his only wicket of Heinrich Klaasen. It all happened on the final delivery of the 38th over when Klaasen tried to whack Kuldeep over extra cover, but the batter mistimed as the white leather skewed off a thick inside half and went straight to the mid-on region.
For a moment, it appeared that the ball would safely land in no man’s land, however, Siraj had some other plans. The Hydrabadi cricketer stormed in from the long on dived in front to pluck a screamer. Though the ball almost slipped out of Siraj’s hands, but he tumbled over and managed to keep the ball at the end of his fingertips.
Here is the video:
WHAT. A. CATCH! 👍 👍@mdsirajofficial takes a stunner to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. 👌 👌 #TeamIndia
South Africa lose their 4th wicket.
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Speaking about South Africa’s innings, Aiden Markram and Hendricks stitched a century partnership as the tourists managed to reach 278/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Markram top scored with 79 from 89 deliveries, including nine fours and a maximum.
