The Lanka Premier League never fails to entertain the cricket fans !! After Andre Russell’s ‘ball-breaking’ innings, we got another stunning moment to remember, in form of Shoaib Malik’s catch. In the match of Colombo Kings vs Jaffna Stallions, Shoaib Malik took an unbelievable catch to send off Colombo’s captain Angello Mathews.

The Catch By Shoaib Malik That Stunned The World

In the 11th match of LPL 2020, table toppers Jaffna Stallions faced tough rivals Colombo Kings. It was bound to be a nail-biting match as both the teams are studded with hard-hitting batsmen. Colombo Kings have Andre Russell and Angello Mathews while Jaffna Stallions have Shoaib Malik and Wanindu Hasaranga. 

This is UNREAL! ?@realshoaibmalik | @LPLT20pic.twitter.com/BBjNb06OOT

— Catch Mate. (@CatchMate_) December 6, 2020

Colombo Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first. Coming on to bat, Jaffna Stallions did not get the ideal start. Opener J. Charles was dismissed by Dushmanta Chameera for just 7 runs. That led to a shaky start of the innings for the Stallions. Opener Avishka Fernando scored 26(23) but after that, the Stallions lost wickets in quick succession. Their middle-order collapsed completely. Their star batsman Shoaib Malik managed to score just 8 runs in 5 balls and was then clean bowled by Colombo’s Qais Ahmad. Wanindu Hasaranga then came in to control the innings. He played a crucial knock of 41 (23) and led his team to a defendable total of 148/9 in 20 overs. Among the bowlers of Colombo Kings, Qais Ahmad gave a match-winning performance and took 3 important wickets and gave just 24 runs.

Coming on to chase, Colombo Kings got a decent start. Although opener LJ Evans was sent off for just 14 runs, the Kings had nothing to worry about as their ‘Mr. Dependable’, opener Dinesh Chandimal was still on the pitch. The opener went on to play an unbeaten knock of 68(51) and he pretty much single-handedly assured the victory for his team. Andre Russell also played an important cameo of 32 (20) though.

What Next For The Lanka Premier League?

It was during Colombo King’s run chase that the fans witnessed Shoaib Malik’s stunning catch. Kings’ captain Angello Mathews was batting at 22 (23). Jaffna Stallions’ Viyaskanth was bowling their 11th over. In the fourth ball of the over, Angello Mathews hit a shot which was going for a six. Shoaib Malik was there just inside the boundary line.

The ball had already crossed the boundary when Shoaib Malik jumped at it. He was airborne when he saved it with his one hand and threw it inside the field. He then fell outside the boundary and jumped inside to take the catch. What a fabulous catch it was. The commentators and Shoaib’s teammates were all praising the Pakistani batsman. “He bubbled it, tapped it back, and it was just the right height for him to get back on to the field to complete the catch.”, described one of the commentators. He couldn’t do much with the bat so he contributed through his fielding. Although Jaffna Stallions couldn’t win the match, that catch by Shoaib will always be remembered.

Despite the loss, Jaffna Stallions are still seated on number one spot in the LPL table. They and Colombo Kings have the same points but Jaffna Stallions are ahead in Net Run rate. Both the teams have secured eight points in five matches.