Controversial run-out: Did Quinton de Kock fake it for Fakhar Zaman to take it?

Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman (right) is dejected after being run out while SA wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock celebrates during the second ODI at Johannesburg on Sunday. Pic/AFP

A debate broke out in Pakistan cricket circles with many blaming South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for "deliberating distracting" Fakhar Zaman and leading to his controversial run-out in the second ODI at Johannesburg.

In a stiff chase of 342, Fakhar's smashed a spectacular 193 but his effort was not enough for Pakistan, as the hosts levelled the series 1-1 with a 17-run win at the Wanderers.

Fakhar was run out in the 50th over and replays showed that De Kock tricked Fakhar into believing that the throw was going to the non-striker's end. The South Africa wicketkeeper pointed his finger towards Lungi Ngidi but the ball was, in fact, thrown by Aiden Markram towards the 'keeper's end and it was a direct hit. Fakhar had slowed down his pace at the end of his second run and could not make it back into his crease.

This did not go down well with many in Pakistan cricket. Cricket fans, critics and some former players have pointed out that De Kock "deliberately misled" Fakhar into believing the ball was at the non-strikers end and then ran him out.

ICC Law 41.5 says: Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman. 41.5.1 in addition to 41.4 states it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball."

However, the Pakistani opener, who achieved the highest score by a batsman in a ODI chase, refused to blame De Kock. "The fault was mine as I was too busy looking out for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he'd started off a little late from his crease, so I thought he was in trouble. The rest is up to the match referee, but I don't think it's Quinton's fault.

"I played a very good innings but it would have been better if we had won the match," Fakhar said. The three-match series is now tied at one all with the third game to be played on Wednesday. The hosts will be without five of their top performers in De Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi and Nortje, who will be leaving for the IPL.

193
No. of runs scored by Fakhar Zaman against SA on Sunday, the highest by any batsman in an ODI chase

Two
No. of 150-plus scores by Fakhar in ODI cricket, the most by a Pakistani player

10
No. of sixes smashed by Fakhar on Sunday, the 3rd Pakistani to do so in ODIs

Tweet talk

Tabraiz Shamsi@shamsi90:
Just 2 clarify QDK was NOT speaking 2 or pointing at the batsman, he was asking a fielder to back up at the non strikers end. Not Quinnys fault the batman turned around 2 see instead of completing the run safely which he should have done. Stop the hate n Leave QDK alone #Peace

Shoaib Akhtar@shoaib100mph:
What a master inning by @FakharZaman. Treat to watch. Single handedly brought the game here. Sad end to the inning. Deserved a 200. Was the spirit of the game compromised by South Africa & @QuinnyDeKock69 in that run out?

Waqar Younis@waqyounis99:
Record breaking inning. Simply Outstanding @FakharZamanLive. What about this cheeky giggle from Quinton tells you?

Monty Panesar@MontyPanesar:
Completely against the spirit of the game. He shouldn't have ran him out. SA would have won the game anyway. What's happened to sportsmanship? #Cricket #IPL2021 #barmyarmy #England #India #IPL

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