"Fault was mine, not Quinton's": Fakhar Zaman on his controversial run-out

Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman issued a statement on his very controversial run-out involving Quinton de Kock during the 2nd ODI against South Africa. Zaman was at 193 when he was run out by de Kock. The controversial over was the final over when the first ball was a direct hit from Aiden Markram from long-off caught him short of his crease.

The runout gave rise to a debate on social media and how many felt that wicket keeper de Kock’s gesture that he would throw the ball towards the non-striker’s end, was wrong. This gesture of his had prompted Zaman to slow down his pace during his run-up.

According to MCC’s Law 41.5.1, “it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball.”

But after Pakistan fell short by just 17 runs, Zaman took the blame for it and said the run out was his fault.

“The fault was mine as I was too busy looking out for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he’d started off a little late from his crease, so I thought he was in trouble. The rest is up to the match referee, but I don’t think it’s Quinton’s fault,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Zaman as saying.

South Africa batsman Temba Bavuma came to de Kock’s defense and said no rules were broken by the keeper. “It was quite clever from Quinny. Maybe some people might criticise it for maybe not being in the spirit of the game. But it was an important wicket for us. Zaman was getting close to our target. Yeah, it was clever from Quinny,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Bavuma as saying.

“You’ve always got to look for ways especially when things are not going your way, got to find ways to turn the momentum around. Quinny did that – I don’t think he broke the rules in any kind of way. It was a clever piece of cricket,” he added.

With this win, South Africa has managed to make this three-match series a tie with 1-1 and decider slated to be played on Wednesday.