Pakistan and good fielding don’t always go hand in hand, but at times some players elevate the performance. Aamer Jamal showcased this on Day 2 of the Pakistan-England Test by taking a breathtaking catch to dismiss England opener Ollie Pope in the second over, much to the excitement of Babar Azam.
England bowlers toiled hard on Day 1 and much of Day 2 as Pakistan amassed 556 runs. The Pakistan batting was led by superb centuries from Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and Salman Agha, while England bowlers did their utmost to wrap up the innings. The moment finally arrived when Joe Root dismissed Abrar Ahmed, signaling the end of Pakistan’s innings. With Ben Duckett injured, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley opened for England, but their start was rocky, largely due to outstanding fielding from Aamer Jamal.
On the second ball of the second over, Naseem Shah bowled a short-of-a-length delivery that shaped in slightly. The English skipper attempted a pull shot but mistimed it due to the pace and bounce. The ball got high on the bat and soared toward the mid-wicket area. Jamal, positioned perfectly, leapt into the air and snagged a stunning one-handed catch. Witnessing this rare display of skill from the Pakistan fielding unit, the team erupted with excitement as Babar Azam sprinted from long-on to embrace Jamal, sending the Twitterverse into a frenzy.
“An asbolutely BRILLIANT catch!” 🤯
Aamer Jamal plucks one out of the sky to dismiss England captain Ollie Pope for 0 😬 pic.twitter.com/2U8UHzjEPO— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 8, 2024
UNBELIEVABLE CATCH 😲
Aamir Jamal pucks it out of thin air to send back the England captain 👌#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/MY3vsto4St— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2024
Superb
Absolutely
What a Stunning Catch by aamir jamal!!
A rare thing in Pakistan Cricket pic.twitter.com/sFc7rWpdiF— junaiz (@dhillow_) October 8, 2024
What a screamer!!! Aamir Jamal you beauty!! #PakvEng pic.twitter.com/1nA5sSRKqT
— Syed Ali Imran (@syedaliimran) October 8, 2024
On fire!
Absolute stunner
Stunning catch from Aamir Jamal ft Nasser Hussain 🥵#PAKvsENG #PAKvENG #PakistanCricket
pic.twitter.com/zItD7AEkaw— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) October 8, 2024
Naseem Shah strikes with a perfect start exactly what Pakistan needed at this moment. Aamir Jamal stunning catch is nothing short of sensational. Truly brilliant fielding 🏏🙌
#PAKvsENG #PAKvENG
pic.twitter.com/ybIOylKO3D— 𝔸𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕪❁ (@wordsbyher_) October 8, 2024
Blinder
Good question
Pope opens now? https://t.co/oiNjJYIO7y
— The One (@SaneleMacamo) October 8, 2024