Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman's stunning knock of 193 in the second ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg made headlines for a variety of reasons.
Zaman's daring innings from just 155 balls almost pulled off a miracle win for the visitors who were chasing South Africa's daunting score of 341-6. Pakistan's were seemingly out of the contest at 205-7 with 12 overs to go but Zaman single-handedly took the match into the final over where they fell short by 17 runs.
The left-handed batsman's innings, which included 18 fours and 10 sixes, was the highest score in a chase in ODI history. The opener was run out in the last over when 31 runs were needed, ending his hopes of a deserved double ton.
When De Kock did a Sangakkara!
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) April 4, 2021
What's your take on this dismissal? #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/PkhNnF0VX7
And it was the way Zaman was run out that garnered as much attention as the innings. On the first ball of the final over of the match, Zaman was sent on his way after a direct hit from long-off as he was looking for a second run.
Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock seemingly gestured for the fielder Aiden Markram to throw to the bowler's end. Fakhar slowed down and was surprised when the ball hit the stumps at the batsman's end.
Fakhar Zaman’s run out cost Pakistan 7 runs and a ball. Under the rules, PAK should’ve received 7 runs (two by Fakhar and 5 penalty). Plus, the ball should have not been counted as it was dead.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 4, 2021
Equation that was 31 off 6 balls should have become 24 off 6 with Fakhar on 194.
If De Kock's gesture is deemed to be a deliberate misdirection, that would fall under the category of 'fake fielding'. According to the International Cricket Council's Law 41.5.1, "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".
Violation of the law carries five penalty runs and the ball has to then be re-bowled.
Fakhar admitted he was taken by surprise by his dismissal.
"The fault was mine as I was too busy looking for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he had started off a little late from his crease. I thought he was in trouble. The rest is up to the match referee, but I don't think it is Quinton's fault."
