Fakhar Zaman’s contentious run out in Pakistan’s second ODI against South Africa has sparked a debate on spirit of the game with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) saying it was “up to the umpires to decide” if Quinton de Kock had attempted to mislead the batsman.
In a stiff chase of 342, Fakhar smashed a spectacular 193 in a losing cause as the left-handed batsman was run out in a controversial fashion involving South Africa wicketkeeper De Kock at the Wanderers on Sunday.
The stumper pointed his finger towards Lungi Ngidi, but the ball was, in fact, thrown by Aiden Markram towards the ’keeper’s end and it was a direct hit. Fakhar had slowed down his pace at the end of his second run and could not make it back into his crease. Replays showed that De Kock had seemed to convince Fakhar into believing that the throw was going to the non-striker’s end.
“Law 41.5.1 states: It is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball,” the MCC wrote on its Twitter handle.
“The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived. It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it’s Not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball,” the MCC added.
The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived.
— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) April 4, 2021
It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it's Not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball.
On-field umpires of the game, Allahudien Paleker and Marais Erasmus weren’t seen to be raising any objection as such, as they continued with the game after that incident.
Fakhar, though, refused to blame De Kock for his dismissal. “The fault was mine as I was too busy looking out for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he had started off a little late from his crease, so I thought he was in trouble.
“The rest is up to the match referee, but I don’t think it’s Quinton’s fault,” Fakhar said.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, on the other hand, said De Kock’s act was “quite clever.” “You’ve always got to look for ways, especially when things are not going your way, and got to find ways to turn the momentum around. Quinny did that,” Bavuma said.
