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Watch: Irfan Khan Niazi takes diving stunner at slip off spinner to set up sensational Pakistan Shaheens’ defence of 93 v Melbourne Renegades

by Wisden Staff August 1, 2023 - 3:32pm 3 minute read

Watch: Irfan Khan Niazi of the Pakistan Shaheens dived to his left to take a stunning catch at first slip to dismiss Jake Fraser-McGurk of the Melbourne Renegades Academy.

Pakistan Shaheens – the name Pakistan use for their A team – were bowled out for 93 in 18.5 overs against the Melbourne Renegades after captain Rohail Nazir opted to bat at the Marrara Oval in Darwin.

Barring Shawaiz Irfan (34 in 32 balls) and Basit Ali (13 in 16), and No.11 Faisal Akram (13 in 18), none of their batters went past seven. For the Renegades, Ruwantha Kellepotha claimed 3-15.

In response, Jake Fraser-McGurk reached seven before his partner Dylan Brasher opened his account. Bowling from round the wicket in the second over, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas tossed a ball up.

Fraser-McGurk made room to play an inside-out shot through cover, but the ball took his edge and descended rapidly to the left of first slip fielder Irfan Khan Niazi. Irfan flung himself to his left – his wrong side – and came up with an outstanding catch with his left hand.

Two overs later, Irfan took another catch off Arafat, this time of Mackenzie Harvey. The Renegades looked safe at 42-2 after nine overs before they collapsed for 85 against Arafat (3-15) and Ali Asfand (3-8). For the hosts, Brasher made 19 in 20 balls, captain Will Sutherland 15 in 22, Jai Lemire 10 in 17, and Matthew Fotia 12 in 23.

Pakistan Shaheens next play the Melbourne Stars Academy on August 2 and Papua New Guinea on August 3.