BAN vs NZ: Mushfiqur Rahim becomes the first Bangladesh batter to be dismissed for handling the ball

Mushfiqur Rahim lost his wicket in the most unlikely manner on Day 1 of the BAN vs NZ 2nd Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday, December 6. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter became the first Bangladesh star to be dismissed for handling the ball.

He used his right hand to push the ball away after playing a defensive shot to a length delivery from fast bowler Kyle Jamieson. The ball was not even heading toward the stump, but Mushfiqur pushed the ball away with gloves on.

Also Read: Will Faf Du Plessis Return For T20 World Cup 2024?

New Zealand players appealed and the umpire went upstairs. The replay showed that he had deliberately handled the ball. Bangladesh lost the crucial wicket of their senior wicketkeeper on a pitch that was taking a turn as early as the opening day. Bangladesh slipped to 104 for 5 after losing Mushfiqur Rahim for 35.

The law itself has changed, and as of October 1, 2017, the 'handled the ball' dismissal was subsumed into 'obstructing the field' under Law 37. It now falls under a different category, ensuring that the act of handling the ball still results in a batsman's departure from the crease, albeit under a different label.

Mushfiqur Rahim became the first batter in 22 years to get out, handling the ball in Test cricket after Michael Vaughan in 2001 against India in a test match.