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[Watch] Abdullah Shafique Gets Lucky As Adam Zampa Drops A Dolly

Rajgeeta Yadav

Adam Zampa drops a dolly [Source: @viratgoback/X.com]Adam Zampa drops a dolly [Source: @viratgoback/X.com]

Pakistan were riding high after their strong bowling attack crushed Australia’s hopes in the third and final ODI at Optus Stadium on November 10. They restricted Australia to just 140 runs in 31.5 overs, setting up a relatively easy target. In response, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, got off to a solid start, building a strong partnership that kept Pakistan’s momentum going.

Australia needed a breakthrough to stop Pakistan’s progress, especially to break up the Ayub-Shafique partnership. By the 14th over, the Aussies finally saw a chance. Adam Zampa was set to make the catch and put an end to the partnership, but he missed a straightforward opportunity.

On the last ball of the over, Sean Abbott bowled a short delivery around the middle stump. Shafique went for a hook shot, but he didn’t hit it cleanly, sending the ball towards deep fine leg where Zampa was positioned. Although the ball went directly to Zampa, he dropped what should have been an easy catch, disappointing Australian fans once again. This wasn’t the first time Zampa missed such a catch, as he had also dropped one in the second ODI against Pakistan in Adelaide.

Abdullah Shafique Gets A Lifeline As Zamps Drops A Sitter


Pakistan's Bowling Attack Limits Australia To 140 Runs

Earlier in the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision quickly paid off as they made an immediate impact. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, working together with the new ball, took out Jake Fraser-McGurk first, followed by Aaron Hardie. Their partnership was strong, with both bowlers finishing with three wickets each.

In addition to their efforts, Haris Rauf delivered a great performance, taking two crucial wickets. He dismissed Matthew Short, who scored 22 runs, and Glenn Maxwell, who went out without scoring. Sean Abbott ended up being Australia’s top scorer, managing 30 runs from 41 balls. In the end, Pakistan's tight bowling restricted Australia to a total of just 140 runs.

At the time of writing, Pakistan are at 89 for 2 in 19 overs.