The T20 World Cup 2026 served up an early contender for catch of the event as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi mixed brilliantly to dismiss Michael Levitt in the course of the Pakistan vs Netherlands conflict. The second of athletic brilliance got here simply when the Dutch innings was starting to collect momentum, swinging the power firmly again in Pakistan’s favour.
Pakistan, after successful the toss, opted to area first towards Netherlands, backing their bowling depth and sharp fielding to use early strain. What adopted within the fifth over was a bit of fielding that immediately caught the eye of followers throughout the cricketing world.
Tag-team catch from Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi take away harmful Michael Levitt
The incident unfolded on the second ball of the fifth over, bowled by Mohammad Nawaz. Levitt, who had regarded harmful on the crease, crouched low and tried to muscle the ball straight down the bottom. He obtained sufficient of the bat to ship it excessive and lengthy in direction of the long-off boundary, momentarily elevating hopes of a six.
Babar, patrolling the long-off area, sprinted to his proper and judged the swirling ball completely. He accomplished the catch with each fingers however, along with his momentum carrying him past the boundary rope, confirmed exceptional presence of thoughts. Simply earlier than his proper foot touched the rope, Babar lobbed the ball again into play. Shaheen, who had tracked again shortly from mid-on, timed his run to perfection and safely accomplished the relay catch.
The previous Pakistan skipper erupted in celebration, fists clenched, as teammates swarmed across the duo. The group too roared in appreciation, absolutely conscious they’d simply witnessed one thing particular. Levitt’s dismissal proved to be a large blow for the Netherlands, who misplaced a batter able to accelerating quickly.
Right here’s the video:
A stable relay catch!
Babar Azam & Shaheen Afridi produce an ideal relay catch on the boundary!
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Pakistan strike early after Netherlands’ regular begin
Earlier than that second of magic, the Netherlands had begun on a constructive be aware. Openers Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd put collectively 28 runs, rotating strike well and punishing free deliveries. Pakistan, nonetheless, struck first with the dismissal of O’Dowd, preserving the scoring in verify.
Levitt’s exit quickly adopted, courtesy of the sensational Babar-Shaheen effort. The strain continued to construct as Colin Ackermann was additionally dismissed, leaving the Dutch facet three down for 65 and looking for stability towards Pakistan’s disciplined bowling assault.
Simply as Pakistan appeared on high, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards and all-rounder Bas de Leede stepped up with a composed partnership. Mixing warning with well timed boundaries, the duo steadied the innings and ensured wickets didn’t tumble in a heap.
Their stand helped the Netherlands cross the 100-run mark within the thirteenth over, giving followers hope that the facet might nonetheless publish a aggressive whole. With wickets in hand and set batters on the crease, the Dutch aimed to complete strongly regardless of Pakistan’s sharp bowling and electrical fielding show.
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, Celebrity Performers and Live Streaming Details
