'Five-ball over': Pakistan encounter umpiring error during Netherlands clash

Last updated on: 07 October,2023 12:37 pm

The blunder occurred in 14th over when over was called on fifth delivery

HYDERABAD (Web Desk) – An umpiring error allowed five-ball delivery during Pakistani batting against Netherlands in their opening match of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 at Hyderabad Stadium on Friday.

The blunder occurred in 14th over when over was called on fifth delivery after Saud Shakeel smashed a boundary for four. Both umpires in the ground Adrian Holdstock and Chris Brown thought it was six delivery.

When the Netherland bowler was going to start 15th over, even the third umpire did not intervene.

Law 17.5 that deals with such situation states, “If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand."

The Pakistani batters encounter second umpiring mistake eight overs later when Shakeel hit a boundary on a delivery from Roelof van der Merwe. Later, Shakeel and Rizwan were quick to pointed out that Netherlands had one extra fielder outside the fielding circle.

The umpires acknowledged it and correct the mistake by declaring it a no ball. Subsequently, the Pakistani player got free hit for a six.