The run-out of the Pakistan opener, Fakhar Zaman in a thrilling 2nd ODI against South Africa on Sunday has triggered a new debate related to the ‘spirit of cricket’ on social media. Zaman fell at the score of 193 as Pakistan failed to gun down a 342-run target in Johannesburg despite his brilliant ton which he scored with the help of 10 sixes and 18 boundaries. Captain Babar Azam’s 31 was the next-best score for the visitors who failed to provide Zaman the helping hand he needed.

Fakhar Zaman was run-out seven runs short of his second double hundred in the first delivery of the final over. Zaman, who hit the ball towards the cover boundary, was trying to complete his second but a direct him by Aiden Markram forced hok to go back to the pavilion. The southpaw was in a comfortable position to complete the second run but he mistook the throw to be going to the other end before seeing the stumps disturbed by the direct hit.

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Notably, replays showed that South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock tricked Fakhar Zaman into believing that the throw was going towards the bowler’s end. While Zaman was yet to complete his second run, de Kock raised his hand and signaled towards the non-striker’s end.

Here is the video of the incident:

#fakharzaman
For the ones justifying. he clearly deceived fakhar zaman by his gesture and he unintentionally looked behind and hence slowed himself down. this is clear cheating. fake fielding. against the rules. 👎#fakharzaman #PakvRSA pic.twitter.com/qqNm5oKo8p

— Pak Warrior 🇵🇰🇹🇷🇵🇰🇹🇷 (@MUxama3) April 4, 2021

It was a comical moment in the match but International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Fair Play laws strictly prohibited ‘Fake Fielding’. Following is a section of MCC Fair and Unfair Play Rule. “41.5 Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman clearly 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.”

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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar took to social media as he tweeted, “Was this run out by @QuinnyDeKock69 against the spirit of the game? I’d leave it for you guys to decide.”

Was this run out by @QuinnyDeKock69 against the spirit of the game?
I'd leave it for you guys to decide. 🤐#PAKvSA

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 4, 2021