Mushfiqur Rahim’s Dismissal: Clarifying ‘Obstructing The Field’ Over ‘Handling The Ball’ in New Zealand Match

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim made history on Wednesday as he became the first batter from his country to be given out for “obstructing the field” during the second Test against New Zealand. The incident occurred on the opening day of the match when Rahim defended a rising delivery from New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson. As the ball bounced wide outside off stump, Rahim extended his right hand to apparently keep the ball away. However, the Black Caps quickly appealed and the on-field umpires referred the matter to the TV umpire, Ahsan Raza, who ultimately ruled Rahim out.

The decision was made according to Law 37.1.2, which states that a player is out obstructing the field if, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, they intentionally strike the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This applies whether it is the first strike or subsequent strikes. The act of receiving the ball includes playing at it or striking it more than once in defense of the player’s wicket.

Previously, such dismissals were categorized as “handled the ball,” but a change in the laws in 2017 reclassified them as “obstructing the field.” The last batter to be given out for “handling the ball” was former England captain Michael Vaughan in a match against India in 2001.

Rahim had been Bangladesh’s top-scorer with 35 runs off 83 balls before being dismissed. However, his dismissal proved costly for the team as they were eventually bundled out for 172 runs in 67 overs. Bangladesh had won the first Test in Sylhet by 150 runs.

This incident has sparked conversations and discussions among cricket fans, with many questioning Rahim’s decision to obstruct the field. The unique dismissal is likely to be remembered for some time in the cricketing world.