Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has expressed his displeasure seeing the replay of the final ball of the nail-biter between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup in Perth on Thursday.
With three needing off the last ball, Pakistan could only manage to score one and lost the contest by a solitary run. Replays later showed that Muhammad Wasim Jr. had left the non-striker’s crease on the final delivery even before Brad Evans released the ball.
Notably, there has been a lot of debate around non-striker’s run-out and the spirit of cricket in recent times. These conversations sparked after Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma ran out England’s Charlie Dean at Lord’s in September.
While several English cricketers believed the run-out was against the spirit, many bowlers came in support of Deepti, stating batters should not gain an ‘unfair advantage’ by leaving the crease too early.
Now, after the match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Hogg also highlighted when Wasim, at the non-striker’s end, took the unfair advantage by leaving the crease early. Hogg posted a screenshot of how the non-striker backed up too much before the ball was delivered.
“Why severe penalty needs to be brought in for leaving the crease before the ball is delivered! Last ball of the game last night! #ZIMvPAK #T20WorldCup2022,” wrote Hogg on Twitter.
Why severe penalty needs to be brought in for leaving the crease before the ball is delivered!
Last ball of the game last night!#ZIMvPAK #T20WorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/lHpaMr3Oqr— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 28, 2022