Modern-day cricket broadcasts offer an exceptional way to enjoy the game, especially the fast-paced T20 format, where rapid developments can easily be missed amidst the distractions in the stands. However, even with the advancements in technology, TV coverage sometimes fails to capture every detail.
During the recent nail-biter between Bangladesh and South Africa in Westbury, New York, viewers saw Keshav Maharaj successfully defend 10 runs in the final over, despite delivering three full tosses. Although it seemed he got away with it on TV, a closer examination might reveal a different story.
Let's set the scene: Bangladesh were chasing a modest total of 114 and were 83 for 4 after 15 overs. As Aiden Markram handed the 16th over to Anrich Nortje, Maharaj knew he would be responsible for the crucial 20th over. South Africa's strategy was to use their fast bowlers first, hoping to leave Maharaj with a manageable number of runs to defend. This was Maharaj’s first experience bowling the final over in a T20 match with available ball-by-ball records, and TV did not show his visible nerves as he prepared. He later mentioned that he felt more anxious during the preceding overs than when he finally held the ball. Maharaj was meticulously running through his "processes and plans," especially as it became clear during the 19th over that he would have a real shot at clinching the win for South Africa in the final over.
Maharaj’s final over strategy began with bowling into the pitch to cramp Mahmudullah and eliminate the shorter off-side boundary. Although he bowled a wide attempting this, he succeeded in getting Mahmudullah off strike. Then, an ordinary throw from Markram at long-on failed to run out Mahmudullah.
Mahmudullah, now sporting a longer and greyer beard, remembered his part in a final-over collapse against India eight years ago. Risking a run-out for a second run, he wanted Jaker Ali back on strike, possibly doubting his ability to hit two boundaries given the tricky pitch and outfield conditions.
The TV broadcast highlighted the drama surrounding an LBW appeal for Rishad Hossain right after Jaker's dismissal. The DRS review clearly indicated Rishad was not out, allowing the leg-bye to stand. During this process, the Bangladeshi commentator Athar Ali Khan speculated on the four possible leg-byes from an earlier DRS call that Bangladesh had successfully reversed.
This incident underscored how broadcasts often capture the drama but miss the subtleties. Such discussions arise mainly in close finishes and overlook the implications of changing fundamental rules, like appeals or the role of umpires. Continuing play as if the batter is not out means fielders must focus on the live ball rather than appealing.
Whether Bangladesh were contemplating those leg-byes is uncertain. Their top performer, Towhid Hridoy, later admitted they were frustrated by the call, a natural response from competitors, but he understood that umpires are human and prone to errors. He didn't express disagreement with the existing rules but noted that a couple of wide calls could have favoured them. With Mahmudullah back on strike, needing two balls to hit a six, he realised he now needed just one boundary to achieve it. This brings us to the second of Maharaj’s three full tosses. Attempting a yorker, the wind, which had just picked up, extended the ball's flight, turning it into a low full toss. This same wind that helped Mahmudullah’s shot look like a six when it left the bat held it up just enough for a catch.
The breeze, which wasn’t apparent to those in the commentary box, played a critical role in Maharaj's missed execution and eventual fortune, a detail only revealed when Maharaj mentioned it.
Moreover, the broadcast didn’t fully capture Markram's excellent catch at long-on. While viewers saw the completion of the catch, the crucial movements leading up to it were missed. Markram, who had four seconds from the ball hitting the bat to making the catch, initially rushed to his left, then adjusted his pace, realising the ball might clear him. With tall Marco Jansen running towards him, Markram contemplated a relay catch but decided to take it solo as the wind held the ball up. His leap and timing were impeccable.
Thus, while it might seem Maharaj got away with his full tosses, the reality was more nuanced. This situation is reminiscent of how Jasprit Bumrah’s full tosses in the 19th over against Pakistan appeared fortunate but were, in part, due to the deceptive length he achieved. Bumrah’s full tosses are often more challenging to hit than those from other bowlers.
In the end, Mahmudullah walked back in disbelief, reflecting on the narrow margin between victory and defeat, between securing a place in the Super Eights and facing another qualification battle. This moment, a culmination of countless repetitions, with the ball, the bat, or the catch, was a complex event that the broadcast couldn't fully capture.