After winning the toss, England opted to bat and made a solid start with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley reaching 54/0. However, the innings quickly unravelled when Noman Ali dismissed Crawley, followed by Sajid Khan taking out Ollie Pope and Joe Root. Harry Brook, also fell cheaply, leaving England reeling at 98/5. The struggles continued post-tea as Sajid completed a remarkable four-wicket haul, further deepening England’s woes. But Jamie Smith kept the scorecard ticking and took the scorecard to 225/7 in 60 overs. As Jamie Smith continued to take on the Pakistan bowlers, a pivotal moment occurred when his towering six was brilliantly denied by Sajid Khan’s exceptional acrobatics.
On the last ball of the 61st over, Zahid bowled a flighted delivery outside off stump, which the English wicketkeeper-batter stepped down to meet. Unfortunately, he mistimed the shot, sending the ball high into the air towards long-off, where Sajid Khan was positioned. As he jumped to take the catch at the edge of the ropes, he lost his balance but cleverly lobbed the ball back into play while falling. After catching it again, he performed a backflip to keep the ball in the field of play. The on-field umpire reviewed whether Sajid had touched the boundary cushion, but after multiple checks, the TV umpire ruled it not a six. Sajid’s remarkable effort saved five runs for his team, garnering attention on social media as Twitter users celebrated his sensational skill.
Miracle from Pakistani player
— deca coorn (@DCoorn74987) October 24, 2024
SAJID KHAN SAVES A CERTAIN SIX. WORLD CLASS EFFORT 🇵🇰🔥🔥🔥#PAKvENG #tapmad #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/jcqMe42gAQ
— Mitul Chauhan (@MitulChauhan03) October 24, 2024
Good fileding
Self relay
So much Sajid Khan about that attempted self-relay catch from Sajid Khan.
— The Pinch Hitter (@LePinchHitter) October 24, 2024
Irrespective of the results!
Sajid Khan you’re great!#PakistanCricket— Rida Zahra (@RidaZahra812) October 24, 2024
on fire
On fire Sajid Khan
— Muhammad Amir (Army) (@AneesGujjar2121) October 24, 2024
Efforts from him
Sajid Khan 😦
What was that effort?— Hamza (@DwgHamza) October 24, 2024
Jamie Smith is now targeting Sajid Khan, taking an aggressive approach to shift the momentum. This strategy could be pivotal in swinging the match back in favor. Can Sajid counter this attack and regain control?#PAKvENG | #ENGvPAK | #INDvNZ
— Muhammad Hanzalah (@Mu00095hanzalah) October 24, 2024
Crucial breakthrough
Hardwork paid off
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali had no socialmedia PR, no media hype and no fanclub! They only opted to stay patient and keep performing in domestic cricket to make his way in #PakistanCricket.
Hardwork has paid off & they are set example for other domestic players in Pakistan. #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/dBoasRjd9n— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) October 24, 2024
