Chamu Chibhabha becomes first international batsman in 14 years to be given out handling the ball

Zimbabwe won the 3rd ODI against Afghanistan at Bulawayo, thus now leading the series 2-1, but the big news of the day was the unique nature of opener Chamu Chibhabha’s dismissal. Chibhabha, batting on 18, was given out for handling the ball in the 10th over of the match.

The batsman backed away and chopped down on the ball, which bounced and was headed back towards the stumps. He stuck his hand out to catch it, purely by reflex, and tossed the ball away.

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad was quick to respond to the situation, and appealed. Umpire Nigel Llong promptly raised his fingers, creating history of sorts. The wicket was of course not awarded to the bowler, Amir Hamza.

Chibhabha is the first Zimbabwe batsman to be given out for handling the ball. The last time an instance of this seen in an international match was when Michael Vaughan was given out in 2001 in a match against India, after Virender Sehwag appealed from short leg.

Chibhabha is the tenth international batsman to fall to this dismissal. There have been only two previous instances of this dismissal since the turn of the century – Steve Waugh and Michael Vaughan, both falling in this fashion in 2001, both against India.

Also, in 3696 ODIs, this is only the third instance of a batsman being given out handling the ball.

Zimbabwe win ODI series 2-1

Zimbabwe won the crucial match by 6 wickets, with 2 balls remaining. After Afghanistan had tottered to 223/8 in their 50 overs, Zimbabwe batsmen brought up the required score in the nick of time, the highest score being Richmond Mutumbami’s 74. Mutumbami was adjudged the Man of the Match for his efforts.

Hamza, who was the bowler responsible for Chibhabha’s wicket without getting credit for it, picked up 3 more wickets, to finish with the match’s best figures of 3/47.

Despite losing wickets, the Zimbabwe team always looked on course to chase down the target, and they required 4 balls of Dawlat Zadran’s 50th over to bring up the score.