SA vs PAK: Quinton de Kock’s cunning plot to run out Fakhar Zaman comes under scanner

Fakhar Zaman was at the peak of his powers in the second ODI against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Chasing 342 against the home team, the visitors found themselves in all sorts of trouble. In the 11th over, Anrich Nortje got the wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after which Pakistan went behind the 8-ball. However, Fakhar wasn’t ready to drop the gun.

Despite seeing wickets falling at the other end, the southpaw didn’t show any signs of nervousness whatsoever. Moreover, he didn’t get much support from his partners. Babar, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf got into the double digits, but none could go on and convert. When Pakistan were reduced to 205 for seven in the 38th over, Fakhar was batting well-set on 97 runs.

Fakhar Zaman plays a masterful knock

He batted with precision along with the tail and made sure that Pakistan were never out of contention. His presence in the middle also ensured that the Proteas were on their toes. In the end, Fakhar managed 193 runs off 155 balls and his knock was laced with 18 fours and 10 sixes. He was present in the middle until the last over of the run-chase when his team needed 31 runs.

He was trying to retain the strike when he got run out. He hit the ball off Lungi Ngidi down the ground and set off for a couple of runs. But a stupendous throw from Aiden Markram made sure that Fakhar fell way short of his crease. However, Quinton de Kock, the wicketkeeper, also played his part in the run-out.

De Kock was successful in distracting Fakhar, who fell prey to the trick. When Fakhar was about to complete the second run, De Kock pointed his fingers to the other side, making Fakhar lose his focus. Though Pakistan lost the game by 17 runs, Fakhar collected accolades from the cricket fraternity.

Here’s the video of the dismissal:

De Kock ?? Pro Version Of Sanga.

Well Played Fakhar Zaman. pic.twitter.com/CwPOIpalRI

— Ravi Mishra (@G33kBoyRavi) April 4, 2021

Quinton de Kock was cheeky with that Fakhar Zaman run out. But it is interesting that the umps didn’t see it as a fake fielding. It will be an interesting debate.

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 4, 2021

Law 41.5.1:

It’s unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after striker’s received the ball. If umpires deem an attempt to deceive has taken place, they inform captains & award 5 penalty runs to batting side pic.twitter.com/9ajhMso93n

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) April 4, 2021