Kusal Mendis’ record-breaking hundred against Pakistan at Hyderabad ended in a catch by Imam-ul-Haq that raised some eyebrows.

In a 2023 World Cup match at Hyderabad, Kusal Mendis smashed the fastest World Cup hundred by a Sri Lankan, and the sixth-fastest in the history of the tournament.

Mendis reached his ton in 65 balls and eventually made a 77-ball 122 that included 14 fours and six sixes. Sri Lanka were 218-3 when he fell in the 29th over.

Mendis eventually holed out to deep mid-wicket off Hassan Ali (4-71), where Imam-ul-Haq held on to the catch despite losing his balance and tumbling over.

Eyebrows were raised after the dismissal: it was evident that the boundary cushion had been moved, leaving a mark to denote its original location. The movement had been away from the batter – in other words, it had increased the size of the playing arena.

Imam took the catch inside the boundary rope, but had landed on the visible mark in the process.

Law 19.3.2 states: “The object [used to determine boundaries] shall be returned to its original position as soon as is practicable; if play is taking place, this shall be as soon as the ball is dead.”

Had the Pakistan fielders indeed removed the boundary cushion, Mendis would not only have survived but would also have got six runs (“the boundary shall be considered to be in its original position”, states Law 19.3.1).

However, Wisden’s correspondent at the venue confirmed with the ICC that the boundary cushion had been moved for the entirety of the ongoing game.

The boundary cushion at Hyderabad had been moved ruing the Pakistan’s game against the Netherlands, but had stayed in the same place throughout the Pakistan-Sri Lanka clash.

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