Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the most experienced cricketers currently. He is playing for Bangladesh since 2005. Despite an 18-year playing career, he found himself discovering a cricketing rule for the first time today. In the 2nd Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand, Rahim was adjudged out for handling the ball, marking a unique moment in Test cricket history as he became the first Bangladesh player to be dismissed in this manner.
Mushfiqur Rahim given out for handling the ball during BAN vs NZ Test
The incident happened during the 41st over of Bangladesh innings. Mushfiqur Rahim was building a partnership with Shahadat Hossain after their innings saw losing 4 wickets on just 47 runs. Rahim was batting well scoring 35 off 82 balls. The 41st over, delivered by Kyle Jamieson, featured an inswinging delivery that Rahim defended
After a solid defensive shot, the ball hit the pitch strongly, heading towards a spot almost 2 feet away from the off-stump. Rahim misjudged its trajectory, thinking it would land on the stumps. Reacting quickly, he used his hand to move the ball away. It was a case of handling the ball and New Zealand players were quick to appeal.
Rahim too soon realized that he had committed a blunder here. The on-field umpire referred the matter to the third umpire, who ruled Rahim out. With this decision, the keeper-batsman became the first Bangladesh player in history to be given out for handling the ball. Here’s the video of the incident.
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
Previous intances of handling the ball
There have been only a handful of occasions when this mode of dismissal was applied. In 1979, Australia’s Andrew Hilditch became the first player to be given out for handling the ball during an ODI match against Pakistan in Perth. Subsequent incidents include Mohinder Amarnath in 1986, Steve Waugh in 2001, and Michael Vaughan in 2001. Now thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim, international cricket has witnessed a handling-the-ball incident after a 22-year gap.
What is Handling the ball Rule in Cricket?
The handling the ball rule states that if a batsman attempts to stop the ball with their hand, they should be given out. This action can be taken to prevent wickets from falling or intentionally stopping the ball with the hand when there is a run-out chance. A batsman is only allowed to use their bat or legs if there is a chance of the ball hitting the stumps after rebounding off the ground. Handling the ball falls under the ‘Obstructing the field’ dismissal. There are various ways to obstruct the field other than handling the ball.
