Explained: The niche wicketkeeping position law that saw Bangladesh no-balled and gave Zimbabwe a last-ball lifeline
A rare wicketkeeping law saw the last ball being adjudged a no-ball during the Zimbabwe-Pakistan Group 2 T20 World Cup 2022 match, leading to a free hit.
The Brisbane crowd witnessed an extraordinary finish in which Bangladesh prevailed, winning the game by three runs. Five were required off the last ball and when Blessing Muzarabani missed the Mossadek Hossain delivery, with wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan whipping off the bails, it seemed Bangladesh had won out. They celebrated, and the players walked off the pitch.
However, the umpires stayed behind to check replays. In an incredible twist, replays showed that Hasan’s gloves were ahead of the stumps when he received the ball before disturbing the bails. It was a contravention of MCC’s Law 27.3, which reads: “The wicketkeeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or person of the striker or passes the wicket at the striker’s end or the striker attempts a run. In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal no ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball.”
As a result, Zimbabwe were awarded a no ball, and Bangladesh were required to re-bowl the last ball, the batting team needing four off the last ball.
By the time the replays were checked, the players had already made their way past the boundary ropes. The lone figure of Marais Erasmus was seen signalling a n -ball, after which the players had to return.
It was an anti-climatic end after all – awarded a free hit, Muzarabani couldn’t connect with Hossain’s delivery. Hasan collected the ball – legally this time – and let out a roar, emphatically knocking off the stumps to celebrate.
Interestingly, Nurul was guilty of another law breach three days ago, in Bangladesh’s match against South Africa, copping a five-run penalty after moving behind the stumps after bowler Shakib Al Hasan released the ball, leading to a contravention of Law 27.4.1.
Watch all the drama from the last ball (4:45 onwards)
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