Watch: Controversial dismissal! England's Hamza Shaikh's declared out for 'obstructing the field' in U19 WC

During the U19 World Cup 2024 match between Zimbabwe and England, the Zimbabwean team gave rise to a new controversy with the ‘obstruct the field’ appeal. The incident took place on the 4th ball of the 17th of the England innings. Zimbabwean bowler Ryan Simbi bowled a delivery that was missed by the England batsman Hamza Shaikh. The ball landed in between the legs and was close to the stumps.

While the Zimbabwean players made a short appeal for the LBW before Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Ryan Kamwemba went up to pick the ball. While Kamwemba was walking towards the ball, Hamza Shaikh gestured to the wicketkeeper to stop as he went up and picked the ball. Shaikh later gave the ball to Kamwemba. As Shaikh picked up the ball, Kamwemba looked towards the umpire and appealed for obstruct the field.

Watch – England U19 batsman Hamza Shaikh’s bizarre dismissal

Out obstructing the field at the Under-19 World Cup. https://t.co/D5HKoZphSJ

— Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) February 3, 2024

Hamza Shaikh started to look at his team mate Theo Wylie who was standing at the other end, and was confused why the wicket-keeper appealed. As per the rulebook, any batter can be considered out if he/she is returning the ball to the opposition team after playing without the consent of the fielder or the wicketkeeper. The rule says, “Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder.”

Hamza Shaikh was given out under the laws as he didn’t wait for wicket-keeper Ryan Kamwemba’s consent to return the ball. Shaikh was dismissed for 1 run after facing nine deliveries.

Batting first in Potchefstroom, the England U19 team were able to put up a score of 237/7 c0urtesy of the fifties from Theo Wylie and Charlie Alison. Alison played an innings of 76 runs from 109 balls whereas Wylied ended up scoring 61 runs from 70 balls. Haydon Mustard also contributed with 41 runs from 47 balls.

Newman Nyamhuri ended up picking 2 wickets for Zimbabwe U19 whereas, Kohl Eksteen, Anesu Kamuriwo, and Matthew Schonken picked up 1 wicket each.

Chasing down the target, Zimbabwe were wrapped up for a mere 91 runs. No other than Panashe Tavuringa and Ronal Patel was able to touch the double digits and got out cheaply. Tazeem Ali ended up with a seven-wicket haul and put up a splendid bowling performance. Charlie Barnard and Jaydn Denly picked up 2 and 1 wickets respectively.  In the end, England were able to register a 146-run win and are placed in the 4th spot of the Super Six group B.

India, who are currently the defending champions of the tournament will be looking to win their sixth title and also continue their dominance. Australia are also one of the clear contenders to win the trophy this year, whereas Pakistan as well cannot be relegated.

The final of the tournament will be played on February 11 at the Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium in Benoni.