Cricket lawmakers clarify Mohammad Rizwan’s T20 World Cup semi-final dismissal

New Zealand seemingly needs to brush up on the Laws of Cricket, with a controversial dismissal sparking confusion at the SCG.

New Zealand seemingly needs to brush up on the Laws of Cricket, with a controversial dismissal during Thursday evening’s semi-final against Pakistan at the SCG sparking confusion in the middle.

In the 17th over of Pakistan’s run chase, Black Caps seamer Trent Boult delivered a waist-high full toss that wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan slapped towards deep point, where Glenn Phillips claimed a regulation catch.

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But wary that the delivery may have been a no-ball, the Kiwis quickly enacted a run out at the non-striker’s end, finding Rizwan comfortably short of his ground.

“It’s a double play! Take your pick,” former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith said in commentary.

As third umpire Richard Kettleborough reviewed the footage, several New Zealand players approached the on-field umpires to presumably discuss what would happen if the delivery was found to be illegitimate.

Thankfully for the Black Caps, Rizwan was given his marching orders, officially dismissed caught for 57.

Mohammad Rizwan of Pakistan. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Cricket fans inevitably speculated about what would have happened if Boult’s delivery was deemed a no-ball, with Marylebone Cricket Club, the sport’s custodians and lawmakers, providing an answer, confirming the ball was considered dead the moment Phillips completed his catch.

“There have been a few questions about the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan in today’s Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final,” the MCC posted on Twitter.

“New Zealand, having taken the catch, feared that the third umpire might call no ball, so tried to enact a run out.

“However, this would not have been out — the ball was dead at the point the catch was completed, and even if a later call of no ball means the striker is not out, that cannot return the ball into play.

“If the on-field umpires had called no ball at the time, then the ball would not have been dead and a run out would have been possible.

“However, this cannot apply to third umpire decisions.

“In the event, it was not a no ball, and so Rizwan was anyway out caught.”

Law 20.6 states: “Once the ball is dead, no revoking of any decision can bring the ball back into play for that delivery.”

Tim Southee of New Zealand speaks to umpires Richard Illingworth and Marais Erasmus to confirm the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Pakistan ultimately chased the 153-run target with five deliveries to spare, booking their spot in the T20 World Cup final for the first time in 13 years.

Rizwan has combined with Pakistan captain Babar Azam for a 105-run opening partnership, their ninth century stand in T20 internationals, comfortably a record.

“When you perform, it’s very satisfying and I try to perform every time I go out,” Babar told reporters in the post-match press conference.

“Today, both Rizwan and I decided to attack in the powerplay … it gave us a momentum which we didn’t drop.”

Pakistan will face either India or England in the T20 World Cup final at the MCG on Sunday evening, with the first ball scheduled for 7pm AEDT.

Most century partnerships in men’s T20Is

9 — Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)

5 — KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (IND)

4 — Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (IND)

4 — Aaron Finch, David Warner (AUS)

4 — Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (NZ)