In crucial moments, fielders must stay sharp and capitalize on every opportunity to execute a run-out. However, Pakistan’s Sajid Khan missed such a chance on the second day of the Test match against England when he mistakenly dislodged the bails with his hands before securing the ball, costing his team a crucial wicket.
Pakistan’s innings had been bolstered by Kamran Ghulam’s impressive century and Saim Ayub’s solid 77, but their middle order struggled. Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with a valuable 41, while Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha contributed 37 and 31 respectively, helping Pakistan post a competitive 366 before Jack Leach’s four-wicket haul brought their innings to a close.
England, in response, started brightly with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett quickly reaching 48/0 in seven overs. The pivotal moment arrived in the eighth over when Sajid Khan’s error on a relatively easy run-out opportunity gave England a lucky escape.
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On the fourth ball of the eighth over, Sajid Khan bowled a full-length delivery on leg stump, which Duckett flicked towards short square leg. Crawley, at the non-striker’s end, immediately called for a quick single. Duckett, however, was slow to respond and signaled Crawley to turn back. Crawley quickly realized the danger and began sprinting back to his crease. Salman Agha, fielding the ball, threw it towards Sajid at the bowler’s end.
In the heat of the moment, Sajid Khan appeared to have collected the ball and broken the stumps. However, Crawley was still a fraction away from making his ground. The decision was referred to the third umpire, revealing a surprising twist. Replays showed that Sajid had accidentally disturbed the stumps with his hands before gathering the ball. The bails had already lit up before Crawley was safely within his crease.
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Though Crawley had been short of his ground, he survived thanks to Sajid’s premature dislodging of the bails. As the big screen flashed “Not Out,” England’s openers breathed a sigh of relief, while Sajid was left visibly frustrated. Fans on social media quickly reacted, discussing the missed opportunity and what it could mean for the match.
— alex (@AlexHivklzzyh) October 16, 2024
