Watch: Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladesh batter to be out obstructing the field during the ongoing second BAN vs NZ Test in Dhaka, Mirpur today (December 6).
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Mushfiqur registered his name in history books, albeit not for the best of reasons as he was given out obstructing the field on day one of the second Bangladesh vs New Zealand test in Mirpur. He became the first Bangladeshi to be dismissed in his fashion in international cricket, and the second in Test cricket.
In the 41st over of the Bangladesh innings, he defended a Kyle Jamieson delivery off the back foot. The ball landed under his eyes and was bouncing away to the off side. Mushfiqur, however, was concerned that it might head onto his stumps and instinctively knocked the ball away with his glove.
New Zealand appealed for obstructing the field, leading to the on-field umpires referring it to the TV umpire, who then adjudged him out even though the ball wasn’t heading towards the stumps.
In another era, Mushfiqur would have been ruled out handled the ball, like Russell Endean (in 1956/57), Andrew Hilditch (1978/79), Mohsin Khan (1982/83), Desmond Haynes (1983/84), Graham Gooch (1993), Steve Waugh (2000/01), and Michael Vaughan (2001/02) before him.
However, in 2017, the mode of dismissal was incorporated into obstructing the field.
Mushfiqur was looking good, having faced nearly 90 balls and was batting on 35. His wicket was the fifth one to fall and it left Bangladesh struggling at 104-5. They were eventually bowled out for 172.
Watch Mushfiqur Rahim handle the ball to get out obstructing the field:
Did Mushfiqur Rahim really need to do that? He’s been given out for obstructing the field! This one will be talked about for a while…
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.#BANvNZ pic.twitter.com/SC7IepKRTh— FanCode (@FanCode) December 6, 2023
Mushfiqur Rahim was given out for obstructing the field..He was handling the ball during Jamieson's over pic.twitter.com/ZpWgOIj4KA
— Cricket Mirror (@Cricket_Mirror_) December 6, 2023