Cricket News

WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim becomes the first Bangladeshi batter to be dismissed for ‘handling the ball’

The second test of the two-match series between Bangladesh and New Zealand is currently underway at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first earlier today.

At the moment, Bangladesh is in a precarious position at 135-7. The spin trio of Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips has wreaked havoc on the Bangladeshi batting lineup, exploiting the spin-friendly conditions to devastating effect. New Zealand had brought Mitchell Santner into the team for this game and the move has already paid rich dividends.

The first Test saw Bangladesh win by a stunning 150-run margin, thanks to a heroic second-innings century by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and a match-winning haul of 10 wickets by spinner Taijul Islam. This victory marked only Bangladesh’s second Test win against New Zealand and the first on their home soil. New Zealand, under the leadership of Tim Southee, will be determined to bounce back and level the series. They have started well in the second Test, with their bowlers causing early trouble for the Bangladeshi batsmen. The Black Caps will need to continue their good work and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way.

Mushfiqur Rahim claims unwanted record

Mushfiqur Rahim becomes the first Bangladesh player to be dismissed for handling the ball.pic.twitter.com/cMdWVcNpNt

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 6, 2023

Mushfiqur Rahim, the veteran Bangladeshi batsman, etched his name in the record books for an unwanted reason as he became the first Bangladeshi batter to be dismissed for handling the ball, a rare and unfortunate mode of dismissal in cricket. The incident occurred in the 41st over of Bangladesh’s innings, with Kyle Jamieson bowling. Rahim attempted to defend a back-of-a-length delivery but used his hand to stop the ball from rolling onto the stumps. The New Zealand fielders immediately appealed, and the umpire referred the decision to the third umpire.

After reviewing the replays, the third umpire confirmed that Rahim had indeed made contact with the ball with his hand, resulting in his dismissal. This was a crucial blow for Bangladesh, as Rahim was playing well and looked set to anchor the innings. Interestingly, it wasn’t the first time Rahim attempted to handle the ball in the same session. He had tried to do so in the first ball of the session as well but was unsuccessful. However, his attempt in the 41st over proved costly, and he had to walk back to the pavilion.