On This Day in 2002: Shoaib Malik was first player given LBW by third umpire

12 September 2002 was the day when cricket was introduced to the brand new ‘LBW by DRS' rule as an experiment. The rule stated that the on-field umpire can consult with the third umpire on any aspect of a decision they are unsure of. It is worth noting that the television umpire was first used in India’s 1991/92 tour of South Africa, and the hawk-eye technology was introduced in 1996. 

The LBW given by DRS rule was first used at the Champions Trophy match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.  Waqar Younis opted to bat, and a young Shoaib Malik walked into bat in the fourth over. Chaminda Vaas bowled a straight ball, and it hit Malik’s pad. 

As the Sri Lankans appealed, match umpire Daryl Harper referred to television umpire Rudi Koertzen. As the TV umpire gave his verdict, Shoaib Malik wrote history and became the first victim of the third umpire.

Watch the video below:

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan

Speaking of the game, batting first, Pakistan failed to go big. The side opened the innings with Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi scoring 52 and four runs, respectively. Malik was sent packing for just one run, with Mohammad Yousuf getting out on a duck. 

Furthermore, the side stabilised its innings with some knocks in the middle order. Younis Khan and Rashid Latif scored 35 and 22 runs, respectively, with Misbah-ul-Haq adding 47 runs as Pakistan posted a total of 200 runs in the first innings. 

As for Sri Lanka, Dilhara Fernando and Muttiah Muralidaran were the highest wicket-takers for their side, with three wickets to their name. Pulasthi Gunaratne took two wickets, with Chaminda Vaas striking once. 

Aiming to chase down the target, Sri Lanka made light work of Pakistan. The side opened the innings with Sanath Jayasuriya scoring 102* runs in 120 deliveries alongside Aravinda de Silva, who scored 66* runs as Sri Lanka won the game by eight wickets in a memorable encounter.