Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan took a sensational catch behind the wickets during the third ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg to dismiss David Miller. It was a brilliant catch and probably one of the most anticipated catches by a goalkeeper.
During South Africa’s 21st innings, David Miller attempted to line up to sweep part-timer Saim Ayub. Mohammad Rizwan, who was behind the stumps, premeditated brilliantly and quickly moved into the leg-slip position.
Miller connected well but Rizwan was in a good position to catch the ball. The ball came towards Rizwan’s chest. For once he juggled, but caught the ball with his brilliant reflexes in front of his helmet to start the celebrations in the Pakistan camp.
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Watch: Mohammad Rizwan makes sensational catch to dismiss David Miller
Mohammad Rizwan is, was and will be Pakistan’s best goalkeeper pic.twitter.com/H4LqLG5wXd
— shurli (@shurlistan) December 22, 2024
Mohammad Rizwan was elated after making this catch. He was immediately greeted by former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who hugged him as the entire team gathered to congratulate their captain.
At the same time, David Miller seemed shocked and devastated. He was dismissed for just 3 as Pakistan intensified their control of the game. The Men in Green had restricted the Proteas to 123-5 during their chase of 308 from 47 overs.
Mohammad Rizwan is known as a brilliant wicketkeeper and hardly does anything wrong behind the wickets. He is one of the safest goalkeepers in the world. The Pakistan captain is also a world-class batsman capable of hitting match-winners for his team.
Saim Ayub closes a century with a bang
Meanwhile, South Africa won the toss and elected to play in a rain-interrupted game that was reduced to 47 overs per side. As has happened throughout the series, Pakistan lost a first wicket in the form of opener Abdullah Shafique, who picked up another duck in a disastrous series for him.
However, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub stabilized the innings with a vital partnership. Babar was dismissed just after completing his fifty but captain Mohammad Rizwan gave momentum to the innings.
Meanwhile, Ayub reached the well-deserved hundred. Salman Agha also provided the latest fireworks in the order as Pakistan scored 308-9 in the allotted 47 overs. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the Proteas bowlers with 3-56 in 10 overs.
Pakistan completes 3-0 win
In response, South Africa’s innings never started as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The batsmen started but none could make them big. Goalkeeper Heinrich Klaasen gave his best and scored an impressive 43-ball-81.
Debutant Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen also played key points in the order, but the goal was out of reach. In the end, they were all bowled out for 271 in 42 overs. Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem took 4-52 in 8 overs on his ODI debut as Pakistan completed a clean sweep over the hosts.
