At the time of the catch – late on in the Zimbabwe first innings – the hosts were already in real peril. Pakistan had amassed 510-8d in their first innings and Zimbabwe were floundering on 110-8 in response, with Hasan Ali running through the Zimbabwe middle-order.

Zimbabwe’s No. 9 Roy Kaia, who had until that point offered admirable resistance, got good connection on a cut shot that hurtled towards Azhar at real pace. With little time to react, Azhar instinctively flung his left hand upwards to catch the ball.

Azhar winced after taking the catch, appearing to have hurt his left hand in the process.

The catch added to what had already been an excellent Test for Azhar. The 36-year-old scored his 18th Test century in the Pakistan innings, sharing a 236-run stand for the second wicket with Abid Ali. That partnership was Pakistan’s sixth-highest for the second wicket in Test cricket.

You can watch Azhar Ali’s excellent catch below: