[Watch] Andile Phehlukwayo gets run out by Gulbadin Naib after walking out of the crease with the ball still in play during SA vs AFG 1st ODI 2024
South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo was punished for leaving his crease while the ball was still in play. Afghanistan veteran Gulbadin Naib nailed a direct hit from leg slip, with the batter off the crease to reduce the Proteas to 36/7 in the first ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 18.
The dismissal resembled the controversial run out of England's Jonny Bairstow by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey during the second Ashes 2023 Test at Lord's. The incident was deemed against the 'Spirit of Cricket' and sparked a wild debate among fans and experts for several months to follow.
According to the rule book, the fielding side are permitted to attempt a run out if the batter is off the crease while the ball is not dead.
On this occasion, Phehlukwayo had survived a LBW call, with bowler Allah Ghazanfar appealing with the rest of the team members. Amid all of this, Phehlukwayo, unaware of the ball's whereabouts, looked towards his partner at the non-striker's end to sneak in a quick single.
He merely took a step out of the crease when Naib opted to unleash the direct hit. He timed it to perfection as Phehlukwayo was out of bounds when the bails were dislodged. The Afghanistan players started celebrating the wicket while the all-rounder remained confounded at the crease, looking towards the square leg umpire.
Have a look at the dismissal right here:
Playing their first ODI since December 2023, South Africa are reeling after opting to bat first in Sharjah. The visitors are without skipper Temba Bavuma for the series opener, with Aiden Markram leading the side in his absence.
South Africa on course for their lowest ODI total following Phehlukwayo's wicket
As of writing, South Africa are placed at 40/7 after 14 overs of play. The duo of Wiaan Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin are trying to save the team from further embarrassment.
The Proteas' lowest ODI score of 69 came against Australia in Sydney in 1993. Recently, they were bundled out for 83 during the 2023 ODI World Cup clash against India at Eden Gardens.