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In the ongoing one-off Test between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama showcased cricketing artistry with a remarkable catch, etching a moment of brilliance on Day 1. While the Test doesn’t contribute to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, Samarawickrama’s catch against Rahmat Shah, who was eyeing a century at 91, added a touch of perfection to the game.
Sadeera Samarawickrama’s sublime brilliance: A catch to remember
The breathtaking catch unfolded on the third ball of the 46th over bowled by Prabath Jayasuriya. Rahmat, attempting a paddle sweep from the off stump, found himself outsmarted by Samarawickrama. The wicketkeeper moved swiftly to his left before the ball landed, securing it near his shins with his left glove. Positioned almost in line with a leg slip, Samarawickrama clinched the catch with both hands, completing a sensational act that left spectators and cricket enthusiasts in awe.
Recognizing the gravity of the dismissal, the on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire to ensure it wasn’t a bump catch. Replays confirmed the clean execution, showing the ball striking the sticker of the bat and nestling into Samarawickrama’s gloves without any contact with the ground. After careful review, TV umpire Alex Wharf upheld it as a fair catch.
Here’s the video:
Anticipation on point 👌💯
Brilliant piece of wicket-keeping from #SadeeraSamarawickrama saw Rahmat Shah depart 9 runs short of his century 🧤#SonySportsNetwork #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/SEACw7yvFj
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) February 2, 2024
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, One-off Test: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Rahmat Shah’s lone battle for Afghanistan
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s newly appointed captain Dhananjaya de Silva‘s decision to bowl first bore fruit as the Afghan openers were dismissed, putting them on the back foot on a green-tinged pitch. However, Rahmat emerged as the beacon of Afghanistan’s defiance.
Rahmat Shah’s resilient innings included a significant 57-run second-wicket partnership with debutant Noor Ali Zadran and an additional 33 with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. This resistance propelled Afghanistan to lunch at 90 for 2, steadying the ship after the early setbacks.
The post-lunch session witnessed a remarkable turn of events, orchestrated by Sri Lanka’s Vishwa Fernando. His exceptional bowling display resulted in a four-wicket haul, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order and bundled them out for only 198.
