Mushfiqur was dismissed in the 41st over for obstructing the field, which resulted in his team falling behind five runs. He was the first Bangladesh Men’s batsman to be dismissed in this manner.
The experienced batter extended his right hand in an apparent act of instinct to deflect the ball, despite the fact that it was well beyond the stumps. Mushfiqur was perplexed by the subsequent transpired events.
In response to an appeal by New Zealand players, the on-field umpires referred the decision for review by the third umpire. After reviewing the replays, the television umpire was convinced that Mushfiqur intentionally halted the ball and was awarded a goal.
As of 2017, the act of manipulating the ball has been classified as a form of obstruction on the field. The Laws of Cricket state the following concerning this rule following the amendment:
37.1.1 Both batters are out. Obstructing the field if, with the exception of the situations outlined in 37.2, the individual intentionally attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side through word or action while the ball is in play. Please refer to Law 34, “Hit the ball twice.”
37.1.2 An error by the assailant Obstructing the field if, with the exception of the situations specified in 37.2, the individual intentionally impacts the ball with a hand not holding the bat while receiving a delivery from the bowler. Whether it is the initial strike, a second strike, or a subsequent strike, this will hold true. In defending one’s wicket, the act of receiving the ball shall encompass both batting at the ball and striking it more than once.
Mushfiqur, who had scored 35 off 83 balls, was sent back to the dressing room after “ill-intentionally” moving the ball away while it was still in play.
Since the rule change in 2017, Mushfiqur is the first batsman to be dismissed in Test cricket for obstructing the field. In the annals of Men’s Tests, seven batsmen have been dismissed for “handling the ball.”
