Is Shoaib Malik Pakistan’s most secure outfield catcher?

We remember the star man celebration from Shahid Afridi. The comeback of Abdur Razzaq, the reverse swing of Umer Gul and even the run out of Fawad Alam. But one pivotal moment in the historic 2009 WC win was the catch Shoaib Malik took of Jacques Kallis. South Africa were still in the game, when Ajmal got him to sky one straight. Pretty close to the rope was Shoaib Malik. He took the catch quite nonchalantly, no frills. South African never had a chance then.

Safe as houses they say. But few come as safe as this one. The cricket ball, after its tour towards the stars, nestles in the palms of this charmer, never does it dare to pop out. It finds itself a home, back from its wondrous tour, whether the setting is a day game, a night match with flood lights or the fancily named ‘ring of fire’.

When Shoaib Malik settles under a ball, you can afford to look away. Go make a cup of tea or call the drolly named rocket man of Tapal if you are in the ground. Or write a piece on how he has mastered the art of catching a cricket ball. Whenever gravity decides to do its thing, Malik would be there to grasp the ball.

Yesterday, when the two South Africans were taking charge of the match, Junaid Khan bowled a full one. Wiese got height not the distance. Malik running from the covers, took a superlative catch. It was a no ball. The match all but gone. But Shoaib Malik’s reliability as a fielder, still intact.

He is so reliable that Saeed Ajmal once decided, he should come under the ball, shape his body as to prepare for taking the catch and then give Malik a chance to gulp it. That is the only time, the all rounder failed to take a catch. The look on his face was priceless.

For all of Pakistan’s improvement in the fielder post Mickey Arthur, Malik in the twilight of his career, remains Pakistan best outfield catcher.