Watch- Faheem Ashraf Plucks Juggling Catch To Save Saad Baig From Embarrassment On Debut

Faheem Ashraf Plucks Juggling Catch vs Sri Lanka [Source: X]

In a thrilling turn of events, Faheem Ashraf grabbed a relay catch to break Sri Lanka’s opening partnership in the ODI Tri-Series game. Saad Baig had initially dropped the catch, but Ashraf happened to be at the right place at the right time.

In the first fixture of the ODI Tri-Nation series match, Pakistan batted first and posted a total of 305 runs in the first innings. Meanwhile, in the chase, Sri Lanka got off to a stable start with a 30-run opening partnership.

Faheem Ashraf wins hearts with sharp relay catch

However, in the 6th over, Naseem Shah bowled a short delivery to Sri Lankan batter Avishka Fernando. Avishka attempted a pull shot, but he was cramped for room and ended up getting a top edge, sending the ball high into the air towards short fine leg.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s debutant wicketkeeper Saad Baig ran towards the ball and attempted to take the catch. He managed to get both hands on it but lost his balance, causing the ball to pop out of his gloves.

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But Faheem Ashraf came to the rescue. Positioned behind Saad near deep fine leg, Faheem kept his composure and caught the ball after it spilled out of the wicketkeeper's gloves, thus completing a relay catch.

Mian Ahmad

@MianAhmad_56

Faheem Ashraf’s timely positioning saved a dropped catch or a misjudged chance by debutant Saad Baig. Naseem Shah got his first.

Oct 18, 2026, 6:43 PM

Pakistan players were ecstatic and celebrated with huge roars and smiles. But Saad Baig was relieved as that fumble could have caused a huge embarrassment for him since it was his debut game.

Regardless, Faheem Ashraf saved the day not only for Pakistan but also for Baig. With that, Sri Lanka lost their first wicket in Avishka Fernando, who had scored 5 runs in 9 balls.

Faheem Ashraf struck with the ball

Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf’s contribution wasn’t limited to the field. He came on to bowl the 14th over and struck gold on the second last ball of the over.

He bowled a hard-length ball to Kusal Mendis outside the off-stump. The Sri Lankan captain attempted to cut the ball but failed to keep it along the ground.

The ball travelled straight towards backward point, where Saim Ayub took a sharp catch using the reverse-cup technique, holding the ball securely near his face. Ayub made no mistake this time, allowing Faheem Ashraf to claim the breakthrough and end a developing partnership.

With that, Sri Lanka lost 2 wickets with just 36 runs on the board. Moreover, Faheem Ashraf grabbed his first wicket of the day.