Running out the non-striker for backing up too far is a legitimate way to run a batter out. There have been controversies around the dismissal despite MCC being clear about the rule. Still, the mode of dismissal is frowned upon by many former and current cricketers. However, in the second ODI clash between Bangladesh and New Zealand, when Hasan Mahmud ran out Ish Sodhi it did not lead to a controversy.
The incident took place in the 46th over of New Zealand's innings. On the fourth delivery of the over, Mahmud saw Sodhi leaving the crease early in an attempt to take the strike from tailender Lockie Ferguson and took off the bails. Sodhi did not argue and walked off the field while sarcastically applauding the Bangladesh pacer.
Then stand-in Bangladesh skipper Litton Das had a word with on-field umpire Maris Erasmus. Seconds later, he called back Sodhi. The Kiwi batter hugged it out with Mahmud before returning to the non-striker's end.
The photos and video of Das’ act followed by the hug between the opposition players has been making rounds on social media.
However, it did not turn out to be a wise decision for the hosts. Sodhi was batting on 17 from 26 balls when he was run out. After his wicket, New Zealand would have been bowled out sooner as the score was 224/9 before Das’ decision to call Sodhi back.
The lower-order batter shared crucial partnerships with skipper Ferguson and Trent Boult. Sodhi went on to score 35 runs from 39 balls including three sixes. He got out in the final over of the innings bowled by Khaled Ahmed. In total, he added 18 runs to the visitors’ score after getting a reprieve.
Earlier, Ferguson won the toss and opted to bat first at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Mustafizur Rahman struck early with the new ball. The top-order failed but Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell steadied the ship. Nicholls missed his half-century but Blundell contributed with a 66-ball 68. After the lower middle order, failed Sodhi's cameo helped the Kiwis post a fighting total on the board.
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