Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim got out in a strange manner in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Dhaka on Wednesday. The 36-year-old has become the first Bangladeshi batsman to obstruct the fielding in international cricket.
Rahim was given out for handling the ball during an innings in an attempt to prevent New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson’s ball from going towards the stumps.
https://twitter.com/bhaleraosarang/status/1732306046654529794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1732306046654529794%7Ctwgr%5Eab212a983a5cca8ea91aec654e68f108ac26a21b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fjantaserishta.com%2Fsports1%2Fmushfiqur-rahim-became-the-first-bangladeshi-batsman-to-obstruct-the-field-video-767199This incident happened in the 41st over of Bangladesh’s first innings of batting. Mushfiqur Rahim was batting on 35 when he defended a bouncer from Jamieson. Although the ball was going near the stumps when it fell, Rahim hurriedly handled the ball instead of keeping it away from the stumps.
Due to Mushfiqur Rahim’s actions, New Zealand appealed for out and the umpires upheld the appeal. With this, this experienced Bangladesh batsman became the ninth player to obstruct the field in international cricket.
What does the rule on obstruction of field say?
According to the laws of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), a batsman cannot touch the ball while batting, even if he can use his bat or foot to stop the ball. The law does not permit any batsman on strike to handle the ball while batting.
The first incident of obstructing fielding occurred in an ODI match between Pakistan and England in 1987. Former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja was batting on 98 runs before playing the last ball of the match.
While taking the second run to complete his century, Raja used his bat to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps. The England players appealed for his dismissal and he was signaled for obstructing the field.
Bangladesh struggling after Mushfiqur Rahim’s dismissal
Bangladesh’s batsmen are struggling against the New Zealand bowling attack after Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed after scoring 35 runs in 83 balls. Rahim and Shahadat Hussain put on a 57-run partnership until the former’s bizarre dismissal at 104/5. The Kiwis will look to finish the first innings quickly and potentially look to bat against Bangladesh in the last Test match.
It is noteworthy that Bangladesh won the first test against New Zealand by 150 runs. This was their first home Test win against the Kiwis.
