Babar Azam experienced a dramatic redemption during the first Test against England in Multan. After facing heavy criticism for dropping an easy catch from Joe Root, he quickly turned the tide by executing a breathtaking one-handed catch of Gus Atkinson.
A Costly Mistake
The fourth day of the Test began with tension as Babar dropped a straightforward opportunity off Joe Root, who was batting at 186. Facing pacer Naseem Shah, Root attempted a pull shot that went straight to Babar at mid-wicket. In a surprising turn of events, he fumbled the catch, allowing Root to continue his innings who went on to score 262 runs. This blunder proved costly for Pakistan, contributing to England’s impressive first-innings total of 823 runs for seven wickets.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, highlighting Babar’s struggles in Test cricket. Despite being Pakistan’s leading batsman in limited-overs formats, he has faced challenges in Tests, marking his 17th consecutive innings without reaching fifty after scoring just 30 runs in this match.
Here’s a clip of Babar’s Dropped Catch:
Babar’s Redemption
A session after his earlier mistake, Babar redeemed himself with a stunning catch that showcased his determination and athleticism. As Atkinson drove the ball firmly into the air, Babar leaped into action at extra cover and plucked it one-handed over his head. This remarkable catch not only shifted momentum but also provided much-needed relief for Pakistan after the missed opportunity with Root.
England’s batting display continued to put pressure on Pakistan throughout the match. Harry Brook had earlier also fallen victim to Pakistan’s bowling attack in the same over as Atkinson, caught by Masood after attempting a sweep shot that resulted in a top-edge. Brook’s innings of 300 runs further solidified England’s commanding position, leaving Pakistan struggling to recover.
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