Watch: Pakistan batter Azhar Ali pulled off an outrageous reverse ramp off a fast bowler during his splendid 108-run knock for Central Punjab in the ongoing 2022/23 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Azhar, who has developed a reputation as a stoic batter over the years, decided to indulge in something more extravagant when playing for Central Punjab (Pakistan) against Southern Punjab (Pakistan). Even before the bowler had bowled the ball, Azhar stood in a chest-on stance facing the bowler, very similar to what is his Pakistan teammate Fawad Alam’s trademark style. The pacer reacted by pitching the ball short. Azhar, though, was up to the task and reverse-ramped it over the wicketkeeper’s head.

This stroke was one of the standout moments from Azhar’s 126-ball innings. He was ably supported by incumbent Pakistan Test opener Abdullah Shafique, who also registered a magnificent ton and remained unbeaten on 114. Their knocks, however, were not enough to propel Central Punjab (Pakistan) to victory. Chasing 377 in the fourth innings, Southern Punjab (Pakistan) held their nerve: they rode on captain Agha Salman’s brilliant hundred and escaped with a draw. Central Punjab (Pakistan) came agonisingly close to victory but could only pick up eight wickets in the fourth and final innings.

Watch Azhar’s audacious reverse-ramp here (1:14 below):

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