In a gripping turn at the Colombo Test between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Rahmat Shah’s bid for a second Test century faced a setback as Sadeera Samarawickrama pulled off a stellar catch, showcasing sharp instincts and agility.
Rahmat, attempting a paddle sweep off P Jayasuriya, found himself outsmarted by Samarawickrama’s swift leftward move—the on-field umpire called for a third umpire review. The replays confirmed Samarawickrama’s extraordinary catch, where the ball struck the bat’s sticker and cleanly into his gloves without touching the ground. TV umpire Alex Wharf swiftly deemed it a fair catch.
Anticipation on point 👌💯
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) February 2, 2024
Brilliant piece of wicket-keeping from #SadeeraSamarawickrama saw Rahmat Shah depart 9 runs short of his century 🧤#SonySportsNetwork #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/SEACw7yvFj
Phenomenal take by Sadeera Samarawickrama to dismiss Rahmat Shah 🥵 #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/58O6FVHLAE
— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) February 2, 2024
Samarawickrama’s catch concluded Rahmat’s commendable innings at 91 runs off 139 balls, featuring 13 boundaries. Rahmat and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi built a solid 50-plus partnership, but Shahidi’s dismissal from a loose shot and Nasir Jamal’s misjudgment of a straight delivery in the next over shifted the match dynamics.
This marks the first-ever Test match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka since Afghanistan gained Test-playing status in 2018. Afghanistan granted Test caps to Ali Zadran, Zia ur Rehman, Mohammad Saleem, and Naveed Zadran, while Sri Lanka saw Chamika Gunasekara making his Test debut as a seamer.
Although not part of the World Test Championship (WTC), this match sets the stage for three one-day internationals in Kandy and three Twenty20s in Dambulla in the upcoming series.
Last Updated on February 4, 2024
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