Watch: Irfan Khan almost saves a six off Shaheen Afridi with unbelievable effort in AUS vs PAK 1st ODI

Pakistan's young all-rounder, Irfan Khan Niazi, showcased his impressive skills during the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia. Irfan Khan Niazi made a remarkable attempt to save a six off Shaheen Afridi's bowling, and the video caught the attention of cricket fans on social media.

Chasing a target of 204, Australia lost both openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk for low scores at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Monday, November 4. However, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis rebuilt the innings and maintained a run rate of around six runs per over during the chase.

Smith and Inglis tackled the Pakistani bowlers well during the second powerplay, helping Australia surpass the 100-run mark. The duo added 90 runs before fast bowler Haris Rauf dismissed Smith in the 17th over. However, the Australian wicketkeeper batter continued with his aggressive batting style.

Watch: Irfan Khan's Superman-Esque Effort Goes In Vain

The incident took place during the 20th over of Australia's innings. On the third ball, Shaheen Afridi bowled a back-of-a-length ball outside the stumps to Josh Inglis, who played a pull shot toward the deep square leg. Irfan Khan leaped from the edge of the ropes and threw the ball onto the field.

However, the TV umpires confirmed that Irfan Khan had touched the boundary cushion with one leg while attempting to save a six. The on-field umpire declared it a six for Australia, and Irfan was visibly frustrated by the decision. However, Irfan took a running catch of the next delivery to dismiss Inglis.

Some brilliance on the rope from Mohammad Irfan Khan! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FAWI9ZUGD2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 4, 2024

Irfan Khan Scored 22 Runs With Bat During First Innings

Earlier in the match, Irfan came to bat at No. 7 when the team was struggling at 101-5. The right-handed batter scored 22 runs off 35 balls, including two boundaries, before being run out.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 44 runs off 71 balls as the visitors were bowled out for 203 in 46.4 overs.

Making Debut Against A Dream Team - Irfan Khan

Irfan made his ODI debut for Pakistan in the first match of the series against Australia on November 4. In a video statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the 23-year-old expressed his excitement and determination to make his debut "a memorable one."

Irfan emphasized that he wanted to deliver a match-winning performance in the game. He also acknowledged the influence of his former Under-19 coach, Tanveer Shaukat, who inspired him to pursue his dreams. Irfan shared that Shaukat encouraged players to write down their goals.

"Every player dreams of representing their country. Making your debut against a big team gives you confidence; it shows the team trusts you. Performing against big teams is what makes you a big player. My aim is to deliver a match-winning knock against Australia," Irfan stated.

"The coach encouraged us to write down our dreams on a piece of paper. I wrote that I wanted to play regional Under-19 cricket, then the Under-19 World Cup, PSL, and finally make it to the national team. So far, everything has gone just as I had dreamed," he added.

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