Shahid Afridi, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Umar Amin, Mohammad Irfan Jr, HBL PSL, PSL 2018
One of the all-time great catches from Shahid Afriid? Phpto Credit: Karachi Kings/Twitter.

Former Pakistan skipper and flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi know what it takes to win the internet. Known as ageless metaphorically, Afridi grabbed the headlines for many reasons in the recent past. However, the latest came during one of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Dubai.

The 37-year-old Afridi has been under question regarding his age since long. He went on to claim a stunner at the long-on boundary ropes against Quetta Gladiators at Dubai International Stadium on Friday (February 23).

After producing one of the sensational catches, Afridi has been hailed over the micro-blogging website Twitter. Moreover, many went on to state that it was the catch of the season.

Shahid Afridi, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Umar Amin, Mohammad Irfan Jr, HBL PSL, PSL 2018
Shahid Afridi’s effort grabbed eyeballs. Photo Credit: PSL.

Known for his pyrotechnics, Afridi has already claimed some of the spectacular catches in the past for the national fold as well.

The prolific figure in the world cricket, Afridi represented PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi in the first two editions. He further went on to join Karachi Kings for the ongoing edition to play under Imad Wasim.

Afridi (4) in his first outing couldn’t contribute with the bat. However, he went on to bag a solitary wicket, before claiming the match-winning catch.

How it actually unfolded at Dubai International stadium:

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Shahid Afridi, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Umar Amin, Mohammad Irfan Jr, HBL PSL, PSL 2018
Shahid Afridi takes a one-handed catch. Photo Credit: PSL.

The ball from Mohammed Irfan Jr was right into the slot of Umar Amin, who extended his arms to smash it through the line. Moreover, the elevation was more than the distance. Afridi, who was stationed on long-on completed the catches inches within the boundary while stretching his right arm. He released the ball – to balance and bring himself back to the play before completing a catch.

So much so, Afridi who has been a great source of entertainment for the world cricket was termed 32 by one of the commentators when the latter plucked the ball out of thin air.

The incident happened in 13th over when Sarfraz Ahmed-led Gladiators side was reeling at 70 for five in 12.1 overs. Before the television replays suggested it was a clean catch and upheld on-field umpire’s decision.

Ami was batting on 31 off 30 balls alongside Mohammad Nawaz.

Shahid Afridi claims he is young as ever:

Shahid Afridi, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Umar Amin, Mohammad Irfan Jr, HBL PSL, PSL 2018
Skipper Imad Wasim praises Shahid Afridi for his brilliance on the field. Photo Credit: The National.

After being praised by his former teammate and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez for the outstanding catch when he was pushed beyond boundary with the momentum.

“WOW LALA, super catch, young boy well done @SAfridiOfficial stay blessed,” Hafeez tweeted with thumb up.

 

However, maverick Afridi in his response won it in style by saying he’s still ‘young’.

 

Afridi, who has been the popular figure in the gentleman’s game, was up again with his arms aloft in his traditional style as crowd lauded his splendid effort.

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He has still the power to bring magic on the field even if he fails owing to his one of his traits this is Afridi for you in one way or another.

Relive the catch of Shahid Afridi here:

Tahir Ibn Manzoor is the Editor-In-Chief at Cricket Addictor, who follows cricket like food and he has a great affection for the long-form journalism. He has been associated with the organisation since...