[WATCH]: Babar Azam takes stunning catch to bring crucial breakthrough for Pakistan in PAK vs SL 1st ODI

Pakistan star Babar Azam once again disappointed his fans with his batting performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, but he grabbed a stunning catch to bring a crucial wicket for Pakistan.

Pakistan set a 300-run target for Sri Lanka in the first game of the three-match home ODI series. Babar Azam scored 29 runs in the first innings of the match, where Pakistan scored 299/5 in 50 overs, as Wanindu Hasaranga bowled him. 

Sri Lanka got solid start before top-order collapse

Chasing down the challenging target, Sri Lankan openers provided a great start with an 85-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and the ODI debutant Kamil Mishara. However, the fast bowler Haris Rauf then brought the hosts back in the game with three quick wickets, as the visitors suddenly found themselves from 85/0 to 903. But then Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama controlled the situation with a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

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Babar Azam's stunning catch dismissed set Sadeera Samarawickrama

While Pakistan needed another wicket to control the game, Haris Rauf once again provided a breakthrough; however, the complete credit goes to the former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. It was a length ball outside off, while Samarawickrama had a thick outside edge that flew to the slip. Babar was at the first slip, but he had to go for a full dive as his one-hander attempt was successful to bring a crucial wicket for the hosts. Samarawickrama was dismissed for 39 off 48 balls, while Rauf picked his fourth wicket for the night, while Babar put a special mark, as that catch was one of the greatest catches in international cricket this year. 

That wicket put Pakistan in control of the game, while the visitors Sri Lanka suddenly found themselves under pressure in the big ODI chase.