Drama ensued at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ground in BKC, Mumbai as Ajinkya Rahane was given out obstructing the field on Friday, February 16 during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy match against Assam. Later, the Assam captain withdrew the appeal.
The incident took place in the final over before the tea session. Ajinkya Rahane hit a straight drive off the fourth delivery of the over and set off for a single. However, Shivam Dube, who was at the non-striker’s end sent him back. The Mumbai skipper managed to get back into his crease but got in the way of a throw by Denish Das from mid-on.
The Assam fielders appealed for an obstructing the field dismissal, and Rahane was given out by the umpires. The veteran batter sat in his crease in disbelief as the fielders began to celebrate, before going for tea. The tale took another twist as the Assam team decided to withdraw their appeal. Ajinkya Rahane returned to the crease after the tea session.
MORE TWIST IN THE TALE: Assam has withdrawn the appeal, and Ajinkya Rahane is back to the crease. Crazy scenes at BKC Ground. @sportstarweb https://t.co/GS0JX5gB56
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) February 16, 2024
Law 31.8 Withdrawal of an appeal
According to the laws, the fielding team has to withdraw the appeal after obtaining the consent of the umpire, and before the next ball is bowled. The 31.8 Withdrawal of an appeal law states,
“The captain of the fielding side may withdraw an appeal only within whose jurisdiction the appeal falls. If such consent is given, the umpire concerned shall, if applicable, revoke the decision and recall the batter. The withdrawal of an appeal must be before the instant when the ball comes into play for the next delivery or, if the innings has been completed, the instant when the umpires leave the field.”
Ajinkya Rahane managed to add only four runs to the earlier score. He was dismissed for 22 runs by Dibakar Johori. Earlier in the match, Shardul Thakur helped Mumbai bowl Assam out for 89 runs. He took a six-wicket haul in the innings, conceding just 21 runs in around ten overs.
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