The run-out fiasco

In the 45th over of the Bangladesh innings yesterday, Mahmudullah had pushed the ball to cover and, as per Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's call, attempted to take a single. However, after he had taken quite a few steps forward, Mashrafe decided to send him back.

Sikandar Raza collected the ball and hit stumps. At first glance, it seemed like Mahmudullah was out by a long margin and according to Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura, square-leg umpire Aleem Dar had even raised his finger as the batsman started walking.

However, a replay showed that Zimbabwe keeper Regis Chakabva had taken the bails off the stumps before Raza's throw had hit the stumps.

In order to rectify his mistake, Chakabva asked for the ball and picked up a stump with the ball in hand a while later, to make sure the run-out was completed on the second attempt.

However, the third umpire, after a hard and long look, negated the on-field umpire's decision since the ball was 'legally dead' as soon as the umpire had raised his finger. Chakabva's move to pick up the stumps, as per the laws of the game, did not come into consideration.

Drama unfolded as Zimbabwe players formed a huddle in the middle for a brief period, only to be quieted after a talk with the umpire.

While the entire saga caused a lot of confusion and took off some precious time, the correct law of the game prevailed and the on-field umpire was spared blushes.

Source-  http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/the-run-out-fiasco-171175