Nobody thought a clean shot like the one Shoaib Malik hit would result in a wicket, probably not even Malik himself. The incident took place in the second ODI of the three ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan. Pakistan were cruising towards victory and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted for an attacking field, despite the slim chances of making it back into the game. But then, this happened.
Kiwi fast bowler Lockie Ferguson came round the wicket to Malik with a short leg fielder in position. Ferguson bowled a short delivery and Malik went for a full-bloodied pull shot but the ball ended up hitting Henry Nicholls on the left shoulder.
In real time, it was hard to spot the ball as Nicholls fell on the ground in agony. When our eyes were glued to what happened to Nicholls, Ish Sodhi who was standing on the midwicket had his eyes on the ball which went up in the air.
Even the bowler and fielders were walking up to check up on Nicholls. While this was happening, Sodhi dived to take the catch and dismissed Malik.
Here’s the video of the strange dismissal:
In the video it can also be seen that the 38-year-old Pakistani batsman was concerned more about Kiwi player’s well being than his wicket.
Few reactions to the unusual dismissal:
Shoaib Malik has been playing international cricket for 19 years, but his today’s dismissal would probably be amongst his most unfortunate dismissals.
Off course barring those occasions when he has wrongly been adjudged out.
— S.M.F. Ali (@ibneHasan4) November 9, 2018
Shoaib Malik Dismissal (No words to say for this type of drama).
— IEMiEx KhAN (@IemiexK) November 9, 2018
hope #ImamulHaq is f9
bt sad to c none of #Kiwi playrs came to d btsman evn to cnfirm how he was.
contrary to it whn #ShoaibMalik‘s shot hit at #Nicholas..he strghtaway walked at him to cnfrm if he was f9..thgh Malik got out on d same ball as Sodhi too d rebound catch.#PAKvNZ— The_FouRth_iDiot (@bijendrasinha) November 10, 2018
Shoaib Malik didn’t even realise he’s out he was enquiring on Nichols if he’s alright after the shoulder blow, the umpire goes Shoaib you are out !
— Ghumman (@emclub77) November 9, 2018
The unfortunate incident also proved that short leg position is a really hard position to field in. On a lighter note, this may have been the easiest wicket for Ferguson as he had nothing to do with it.
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