Ish Sodhi and Hasan Mehmud. (Photo Source: Twitter)
The second ODI between New Zealand and Bangladesh played on Saturday, September 23 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka was full of drama as the game witnessed several controversial moments during the game. It all began in the 46th over of the first innings as Bangladesh seamer Hasan Mahmud ran out New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi at the non-striker’s end in his delivery stride for backing up too far.
The decision was referred to the third umpire who adjudged the batter to be out as per the new laws of the game. However, in a dramatic turn of events Bangladesh skipper Litton Das and Mahmud withdrew their appeal to call back Sodhi. The Kiwi player walked towards Mahmud upon being called back and hugged him for his gesture.
Ish Sodhi was Mankud at the non strikers end by Hasan Mahmud.
The third umpire checked and gave OUT! But when Sodhi started walking out, skipper Litton Das and Hasan Mahmud called him back again.
Sodhi gave Hasan a hug at the end.
Great Sportsmanship #Ishsodhi #BANvsNZ pic.twitter.com/JvbpmHlylx
— Cricket Funda (@CricketFunda3) September 23, 2023
But further ahead in the game, an even more bizarre moment occurred on the second ball of the 49th over. Ish Sodhi ended up edging a slower ball by Khaled Ahmed straight to the wicketkeeper but the umpire turned down the appeal by Bangladesh. Being unsatisfied with the umpire’s call, Ahmed asked his captain to review the decision and replays found a clear edge from Sodhi’s bat carrying to the wicketkeeper’s gloves and the decision had to be overturned.
As a result, Sodhi’s innings finally ended on 35 (39) with many questioning his ‘spirit of the game’ for standing his ground despite edging the ball and not returning Bangladesh’s kind gesture early in the innings.
Sodhi stars with the ball as well
Coming back to the match, New Zealand were bundled out for 254 after opting to bat first with Henry Nicholls (49 off 61), Tom Blundell (68 off 66) and Sodhi contributing with the bat. Khaled Ahmed (3/60) and Mahedi Hasan (3/45) were the pick of the bowlers from Bangladesh.
In reply, the hosts were bundled out for 168 with Sodhi starring with the ball with his spell of 6/39 in ten overs. As a result, New Zealand won the match by 86 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
