RAWALPINDI: The third day of the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and South Africa was filled with thrilling moments, but it ended with a peculiar incident that many viewers might have overlooked. A rare “hit wicket” situation involving Mohammad Rizwan sparked debate among players and fans, yet umpires’ decision to rule him not out aligned perfectly with cricket’s laws.
During Pakistan’s second innings on the final ball of the third day, Mohammad Rizwan played a delivery from South African spinner Keshav Maharaj towards the cover region. The ball went straight to the fielder, leaving no chance for a run. As Rizwan turned back toward the crease, his bat accidentally struck the stumps, dislodging the bails. Believing the day’s play to be over, he started walking towards the pavilion
However, South African wicketkeeper immediately appealed for a hit wicket dismissal, as the umpires had not yet announced “stumps,” and the ball was still in the fielder’s hand.
The on-field umpire, smiling at the situation, rejected the appeal, and the square-leg umpire supported the decision. The South African players seemed uncertain as to why Rizwan was declared not out, while the video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, with many fans debating whether it should have been a hit wicket dismissal.
Why Was Rizwan Not Out?
According to cricket’s laws, a batter can only be given out “hit wicket” if:
- The bowler has entered the delivery stride, and during the act of playing the ball or immediately after playing a shot, the batter dislodges the bails.
- The batter, while taking the first run after playing the ball, hits the stumps with the bat or body.
- Even if the batter does not play the ball but starts running and knocks down the stumps, it counts as hit wicket.
In Rizwan’s case, he had already completed his shot and made no attempt to run. Since he hit the stumps accidentally after the ball had reached the fielder, the delivery was considered “dead,” and therefore, he could not be declared out.
The umpire’s decision was thus in full accordance with the laws of the game.
