Steve Smith shows gesture of sportsmanship versus Afghanistan: Here's how
What's the story
During the ongoing match between Australia and Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy, skipper Steve Smith withdrew a run-out appeal against Noor Ahmad. The incident occurred in the 47th over when wicketkeeper Josh Inglis dislodged the bails at the striker's end. Noor had stepped out of his crease before umpire Alex Wharf declared the ball dead, prompting Smith to retract the appeal in a gesture of sportsmanship. Here's more.
Appeal withdrawal
Smith's sportsmanship prevents Noor's dismissal
Noor hadn't attempted a run when he stepped out of his crease to meet his batting partner Azmatullah Omarzai mid-pitch, mistakenly believing the ball was dead. Despite replays clearly showing Noor out of his ground, Smith promptly gestured to the umpires to ignore the appeal. Smith's gesture saved what could have been a legitimate dismissal under cricket rules, as run-outs are valid until the ball is dead.
Match impact
Noor's contribution and Afghanistan's final score
At the time of the incident, Noor had scored three runs off three balls and went on to make six off eight. Had Smith not withdrawn his appeal, Afghanistan would have been 248 for 9 after 47 overs. Meanwhile, Afghanistan added 25 runs to their total, thanks to this decision by Smith. Noor was eventually dismissed on the last ball of the innings.
Past occurrences
A look at similar incidents in cricket history
Notably, this isn't the first time such an incident has taken place in cricket. In a 2023 Test at Lord's against England, Australia maintained an appeal against Jonny Bairstow who had wandered down the pitch before the ball was dead. Likewise, Muthiah Muralidaran was dismissed under similar circumstances in a 2006 Test in Christchurch when he left his crease to congratulate Kumar Sangakkara on completing a century before the ball was dead.
First innings recap
Australia restrict Afghanistan to 273
Australia restricted Afghanistan to 273/10 in their last league game of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Lahore. Despite a good start from Afghanistan's top order, they failed to convert their initial momentum into big scores. However, fifties from Sediqullah Atal (85) and Azmatullah Omarzai (67) took Afghanistan to a respectable total. For the Aussies, Ben Dwarshuis claimed his second consecutive three-wicket haul (3/47). However, persistent rain has halted play, with Australia at 109/1 after 12.5 overs.