U19 World Cup: England’s Hamza Shaikh gets out against Zimbabwe under controversial circumstances

The 38th game of the Super Sixes stage of the ongoing Under 19 World Cup 2024 saw England take on Zimbabwe at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, on Saturday, February 3. As both teams took centre stage and aimed to record a win, there was a controversial moment in the first innings of the clash.

England batter Hamza Shaikh was given out (1 off 9 balls) for 'obstructing the field'. The incident happened in the 17th over of the clash when he blocked a delivery from Ryan Simbi, and the ball stopped after hitting the foot. The batter then picked up the ball to throw it back to the wicketkeeper; this prompted the side to appeal on the grounds that he had done so without seeking permission from the fielding team.

It is worth noting that the law 37.4 of cricket states: "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."

After the decision went above to the third umpire, Shaikh was given out, and after a discussion with the officials, the young batter left the field in disbelief, thereby leaving England perplexed.

Check out video of Hamza Shaikh's dismissal here:

Zimbabwe require 238 runs to defeat England 

Speaking of the clash, it began with England batting first after losing the toss in the ongoing Under 19 World Cup 2024. The side opened the innings with Theo Wylie scoring 61 runs in 70 deliveries. However, after the opener’s knock, the entire middle order fell apart. It was the knock of Charlie Allison that stabilised the innings for England. Scoring 76 runs in 109 deliveries, his knock was helped by Haydon Mustard, who amassed 41 runs on the board. England U19 posted a total of 237 runs in the first innings. 

As for Zimbabwe, Newman Nyamhuri was the highest wicket-taker, with two wickets to his name. Kohl Eksteen, Anesu Kamuriwo, and Matthew Schonken took one wicket each as well. For a win, Zimbabwe aims to chase down a target of 238 runs to win the game.