Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman’s spectacular knock of 193 went in vain in the second ODI of the three-match series against South Africa at Johannesburg, as the hosts, who scored 341/6 in 50 overs, levelled the series 1-1 with 17-run win on Sunday.
Though Zaman managed to break a bunch of records during his brilliant innings, fate was not on his side when he was run out in a controversial manner. And many put the blame on South Africa wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock for “misleading” the Pakistani opener.
With Pakistan needing 31 runs off the last over, Zaman, who was on 193, played the first ball toward the off-side. While Zaman went for a second run, de Kock, who was waiting at the striker’s end, pointed to Lungi Ngidi, suggesting that the ball be thrown to the non-striker’s end. But Aiden Markram threw it towards the keeper’s end, resulting in a direct hit. Zaman, who presumed the ball was thrown to Ngidi at the non-striker’s end, had slowed down at the end of his second run and was out before he made it back inside the crease.
The dismissal opened up the debate over the “fake fielding” rule of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Clause 41.5 of ICC Men’s ODI Playing Conditions deals with “Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman.”
Clause 41.5.1 states that “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.”
Several fans and a few former players said that de Kock “deliberately misled” Zaman into believing the ball was at the non-striker’s end and then ran him out.
However, on-field umpires did not object to the dismissal. Zaman, too, refused to blame the South Africa wicket-keeper for the same.
“The fault was mine as I was too busy looking out for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he’d 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.”
Zaman’s 193 came off 155 balls and included 18 fours and 10 sixes, the most maximums for any visiting batsman in South Africa. It is the highest-ever individual score in an ODI chase. It is also the highest score by any player on South African soil.
The 30-year-old also became the first Pakistan player to have two 150 plus ODI scores.
Pakistan were 205/7 at one stage before Zaman got going, but ultimately finished on 324-9 chasing 342 to win at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
South Africa’s success was down to a thorough batting display, with 80 from opener de Kock, 92 from new captain Temba Bavuma and half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (60) and David Miller (50 not out).
(With inputs from PTI)
