Ikram Alikhil’s ‘brain fade’ moment leads to a 'never seen before' run-out

Moments of ‘brain fade’ in cricket are not new. A few years ago, Australia batsman Steve Smith had come under huge criticism for seeking advice from the dressing room during what he called a moment of ‘brain fade’. And on Wednesday, yet another such moment was visible during the first ODI between Afghanistan and the West Indies in Lucknow and this time it was Afghan wicket-keeper Ikram Alikhil was at the receiving end.

Afghanistan were comfortably placed at 126 for 2 in the 27th over with Alikhil (58) giving his senior partner Rahmat Shah (61) a steady company after the Caribbeans won the toss and sent them to bat. The duo added 111 runs for the third wicket and was eyeing to post a big total. But the third delivery of the 27th over saw tragedy striking and in a momentary slip, Afghanistan’s innings lost its momentum and the team collapsed to 194 all out in the 46th over.

It was an over being bowled by spinner Roston Chase and the third ball was delivered to Shah and he took a single to complete his fifty. But seconds later, it was seen that everybody was looking for a run-out! It so happened that Alikhil was so keen to congratulate his partner that he started walking towards him soon after completing the first run.

He didn’t notice that the ball was still in West Indies keeper Shai Hope’s hands and he made no mistake in dislodging the bails at once and appealed to umpire Paul Reiffel. Reiffel referred it to the third umpire and replays were conclusive that Alikhil was run-out since the ball was not dead.

Alikhil, who had completed his own fifty by then, had no other option but walk back to the pavilion. It was Alikhil’s first game since the World Cup in which he had slammed a 93-ball 86 against the West Indies in his winless team’s final fixture. The West Indies won the Lucknow game by 7 wickets to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

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The fans came up with varied reactions against the incident. While some recalled a similar instance in 2006 when Sri Lanka tail-ender Muttiah Muralidharan had left the crease to wish centurion Kumar Sangakkara only to find himself getting run out by New Zealand fielders, others accused Hope of showing little sportsmanship in the game in Lucknow.

Here are some of the reactions the Twitterati

Afghanistan’s Ikram Ali left the crease to Congratulate his partner Rahmat Shah ( Whilst the ball was still in play ) after he scored a Fifty

And Shai Hope Ran him out

Bizarre 😑 #AFGvWI pic.twitter.com/wbPLLps5vj

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) November 6, 2019

The run out of Ikram Ali (Afghanistan) shows lack of spirit on behalf of West Indies. Would you call it a Gentleman's game?#AFGvWI @bhogleharsha

— Chirag Chheda (@chhedachirag185) November 6, 2019

Strange incident in Lucknow, Ikram Ali Khil, run out. Shai Hope shouldn't have gone for the appeal, as he was not taking a run.
I used to think that Shai Hope is next great in Windies team, but he had lost all his respect from me. #AfgVsWindies

— Barry Allen (@Shudh_Aam) November 6, 2019

2006 A controversial run out of Muttiah Muralitharan, who was dismissed as he went to congratulate centurion Kumar Sangakkara, overshadowed New Zealand's first Test win over Sri Lanka in Christchurch.
2019 – Ikram Ali Khil #AFGvWI 🏏 pic.twitter.com/YMe76fHWto

— Ishara Isuru 🏏⚽️🏉 (@Ishisuru1) November 6, 2019

#WIvsAFG pic.twitter.com/u3SwpGU78r

— Nishant Barai (@barainishant) November 6, 2019