Kusal Mendis’ sharp thinking sends Adil Rashid back to the pavilion in a bizarre dismissal during the Sri Lanka vs England match at the Cricket World Cup 2023.
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis produced a moment of brilliance in the field to run out England’s Adil Rashid in bizarre circumstances during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Rashid had just bowled to Maheesh Theekshana, who had driven the ball back to the bowler. Rashid fumbled the ball, but it eventually deflected off his hands onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Mendis, who was at the non-striker’s end, was alert to the situation and quickly turned around and ran towards the bowler’s end.
Rashid, who was unaware of the situation, had already started to walk back to his bowling position. Mendis beat him to the crease and grounded his bat with ease. The on-field umpires initially signaled that Rashid was out, but they later referred the decision to the third umpire.
The third umpire confirmed that Rashid was out of his crease when the ball hit the stumps, and he was given out run out. It was a bizarre dismissal, but it was a testament to Mendis’ sharp thinking and alertness in the field.
How the dismissal unfolded
The dismissal unfolded in the following sequence:
- Rashid bowls to Theekshana, who drives the ball back to the bowler.
- Rashid fumbles the ball, but it eventually deflects off his hands onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
- Mendis, who is at the non-striker’s end, is alert to the situation and quickly turns around and runs towards the bowler’s end.
- Rashid, who is unaware of the situation, has already started to walk back to his bowling position.
- Mendis beats him to the crease and grounds his bat with ease.
- The on-field umpires initially signal that Rashid is out, but they later refer the decision to the third umpire.
- The third umpire confirms that Rashid was out of his crease when the ball hit the stumps, and he is given out run out.
Why the dismissal was bizarre
The dismissal was bizarre for the following reasons:
- It was very rare for a bowler to be run out in this manner.
- Rashid was unaware that the ball had hit the stumps, and he was already walking back to his bowling position.
- Mendis was alert to the situation and quickly reacted to run out Rashid.
Conclusion
Mendis’ sharp thinking and alertness in the field led to Rashid’s bizarre dismissal. It was a moment of brilliance that will be remembered for a long time.
Impact of the dismissal
Rashid’s dismissal was a major setback for England. He was one of their key bowlers, and his wicket left them vulnerable. Sri Lanka went on to win the match by 8 wickets, and Mendis’ dismissal was one of the turning points in the match.