Unpredictable Exits: Top 10 Quirkiest ODI Cricket Dismissals
Cricket never ceases to amaze its most dedicated fans with its intricate details. While we often get caught up in the excitement of stunning cover drives, towering sixes, and precision yorkers, it's the quirks of the game that truly captivate us.
Unconventional ODI Cricket Dismissals
Over the years, One Day Internationals (ODIs) have delivered unforgettable performances, heart-pounding thrillers, and record-breaking feats. Yet, hidden among these moments are instances of truly unusual and unconventional ways players have been sent back to the pavilion, leaving fans, players, and experts bewildered.
From a batsman accidentally obstructing the field to a split-second choice to handle the ball, these peculiar occurrences serve as reminders of cricket's intricate rules and unique scenarios. Here, we delve into the top 10 most extraordinary dismissals in ODI history.
1. Mohinder Amarnath deliberately touched the ball against Australia in 1986.
During the 2nd Final at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Mohinder Amarnath faced a delivery that came dangerously close to his stumps. In a split-second decision that he would later regret, Amarnath used his hand to stop the ball. This unusual form of dismissal, known as "handled the ball," surprised both fans and players, highlighting how even experienced players can occasionally overlook the finer points of cricket rules.
2. Rameez Raja obstructed the field in a match against England in 1987.
At Karachi's National Stadium, Rameez Raja played a shot and ran for a single. As he tried to reach the crease, he accidentally blocked the ball with his bat. England made an appeal, and the umpire declared Raja out. This incident marked the first instance of a player getting dismissed in this manner in ODIs while batting on 99. It serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for batsmen to always stay vigilant about the ball's trajectory and avoid interfering with its path.
3. Mohinder Amarnath was involved in an "obstructing the field" incident against Sri Lanka in 1989.
Just a few years after being dismissed for 'handling the ball,' Amarnath once again stirred up controversy. During a match against Sri Lanka at Gujarat Stadium, he accidentally obstructed the ball's path while attempting to complete a run. Despite his clear frustration, he became the first player to be dismissed twice using unorthodox methods.
4. Daryll Cullinan deliberately touched the ball when playing against the West Indies in 1999.
In a match against the West Indies at Kingsmead, Durban, Daryll Cullinan found himself in a tight spot as he tried to protect his wicket. In a split-second decision, he used his hand to deflect the ball. It was a natural reflex, but it went against the rules. The West Indies team didn't waste a moment and immediately appealed. The umpire upheld the appeal, and Cullinan was deemed out, once again highlighting this unusual way of getting dismissed in cricket.
5. Inzamam ul-Haq obstructed the field against India in 2006.
Inzamam-ul-Haq, one of Pakistan's most renowned batsmen, encountered a ball from Sreesanth at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar. While attempting to make a run, he unintentionally blocked the throw, preventing it from reaching the stumps. The Indian team raised an appeal, creating a tense moment until the umpire decisively signaled Inzamam's dismissal.
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6. Mohammed Hafeez obstructed the field in the 2013 match against South Africa.
In Durban's Kingsmead, Hafeez struck the ball and sprinted for a run. As he was making a dash for the crease, he accidentally redirected the ball with his bat. The South African team lodged an appeal, which prompted a video review. The replay confirmed that Hafeez had obstructed the play, leading to his departure. This incident added another unforgettable moment to the history of ODI cricket.
7. Anwar Ali obstructed the field in a match against South Africa in 2013.
Just months after Hafeez got dismissed, another Pakistani cricketer, Anwar Ali, found himself in a similar situation. While running between the wickets at St George's Park, Anwar accidentally blocked the ball's path. When South Africa appealed, the umpires came together and ruled Anwar out.
8. Ben Stokes obstructed the field against Australia in 2015.
At Lord's, Stokes encountered a delivery and quickly attempted to shield himself from a direct throw targeted at the stumps by Mitchell Starc. As a result, he unintentionally blocked the ball. The Australian team made an appeal, and following a prolonged conversation and video review, the umpire ruled Stokes as out. This decision sparked controversy and fueled debates for days afterward.
9. Chamu Chibhabha deliberately touched the ball when playing against Afghanistan in 2015.
At the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Chamu Chibhabha repeated the error made by Amarnath and Cullinan in the past. He used his hand to block a ball that appeared headed for the stumps. Afghanistan's players lodged an appeal, resulting in Chibhabha's dismissal. This incident once again highlighted the less-commonly seen rules of cricket.
10. Danushka Gunathilaka obstructed the field against the West Indies in 2021.
The scene unfolded at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, with all eyes on Gunathilaka, the batsman. As he contemplated taking a run, he accidentally stepped on the ball, sending it in a different direction. This prompted a passionate appeal from the West Indies team, led by Kieron Pollard. The third umpire got involved, and after a thorough review, ruled Gunathilaka out, creating yet another intriguing chapter in the history of rare cricket dismissals.
Conclusion -
In conclusion, it showcases the unexpected moments that have shaped the game's history. For real-time updates on cricket matches, including live scores and expert insights, look no further than the Fast Live Line app and website. With features like "cricket live line" and guidance from "live line guru," you can stay on top of the action and deepen your cricket knowledge. Download the app or visit the website today for an immersive cricket experience like never before.
