In a dramatic moment during the third quarter-final of the Vitality Blast 2024, Saif Zaib was denied a crucial wicket due to an uncommon no-ball call by the third umpire. Somerset went on to beat Northamptonshire by 17 runs, but the incident involving Zaib’s bowling in the 14th over of the first innings caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
Zaib’s delivery had Tom Kohler-Cadmore completely beaten by flight, leading wicketkeeper Lewis McManus to remove the bails swiftly. Northamptonshire believed they had claimed the wicket of a dangerous batter, but the decision was referred to the third umpire.
Upon review, it was found that McManus had his gloves in front of the stumps before receiving the ball—a violation of the MCC’s law 27.3 regarding wicketkeeping. Third umpire David Millns carefully reviewed the footage and ruled it a no-ball. To further compound Northamptonshire’s misfortune, Kohler-Cadmore capitalized on the free hit by smashing a six.
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What Does the MCC Law Say?
According to MCC law 27.3, the wicketkeeper must remain behind the stumps until the ball either hits the bat or passes the batter. If the wicketkeeper breaches this rule, the umpire can call a no-ball, as was the case in Zaib’s delivery.
This rare event brought back memories of a similar incident during the second T20I between India Women and South Africa Women, where wicketkeeper Uma Chetry was also denied a stumping due to the same law.
Despite the controversy, Somerset advanced to the semi-finals, leaving Northamptonshire to ponder what might have been.
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