On an eventful Day 3 of second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, controversy took centrestage as Mohammad Rizwan removed the bails off his bat but was not given out by the umpires. At the end of the day’s play, Rizwan drove a delivery towards cover from Keshav Maharaj. He turned around and dislodged the bails with his bat and then started to walk out of the ground. But, the ball was not dead. South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne appealed but it was turned down by umpire Sharfuddoula who had a discussion with Chris Brown as well.
As per MCC's law 35.2, a batter can be ruled not out for hit wicket appeal if:
1. it occurs after the striker has completed any action in receiving the delivery.
2. it occurs when the striker is in the act of running, other than setting off immediately for the first run.
3. it occurs when the striker is trying to avoid being run out or stumped.
4. it occurs when the striker is trying to avoid a throw in at any time.
5. the bowler after entering the delivery stride does not deliver the ball. In this case either umpire shall immediately call and signal Dead ball.
6. the delivery is a No ball.
In Rizwan’s case, the first point applies. Hence, he was not given not out by the on-field umpires.
Pakistan need big runs on Day 4
The wicketkeeper-batter was unbeaten for 16 off 49 at the end of Day 3's play. On the other end was Babar Azam who remained not out for 49 off 83 deliveries. Pakistan were 94/4 with a nominal 23-run lead in the bag. The senior duo have their work cut out for Day 4 as Pakistan need to put on a challenging target on the board for the visitors.
Muthusamy and Maharaj frustrate Pakistan
Earlier in the day, South Africa lost quick wickets. But Senuran Muthusamy led the charge. He shared a 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Keshav Maharaj who scored 30 runs from 53 balls. Then Kagiso Rabada went ballistic. He reached his maiden Test fifty from just 38 balls. The pacer smashed four sixes and as many fours in his 61-ball 71. Muthusamy remained unbeaten for 89 off 155 balls, featuring eight fours. The lower order's fight took South Africa to 404 and take a 71-run lead.
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