Trent Boult’s awareness robs Hardik Pandya off a run

Hardik Pandya, the Indian batsman, recently made his comeback to the national squad after the Koffee With Karan fiasco. He picked up three wickets in the third ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and returned with a couple of prized scalps. In the fourth ODI at the Seddon Park in Hamilton, the all-rounder flattered to deceive with the bat as Trent Boult accounted for his wicket.

However, he was at his very best with the willow in the fifth and final ODI at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The 25-year-old scored 45 runs from 22 balls with two fours and five over-boundaries. He came to bat at the fag end of the Indian innings and took them to 252 in 50 overs. He was severe on leg-spinner Todd Astle and smacked him for three sixes in a row in the 47th over.

The blemish from Pandya

India could have ended on 253, but that one extra run wasn’t possible owing to the awareness of Trent Boult. The incident took place in the fifth ball of the 49th, a couple of deliveries before James Neesham got Pandya out with a full-toss. Neesham dished out a near perfect Yorker and Pandya jammed it on to the off-side. Nevertheless, he got himself in a bit of a tangle while taking the first run.

At the time of grounding the willow in order to complete the first run, he dropped his bat. The willow made its way into the crease, but at that point in time, it wasn’t in Pandya’s hands. He ran the other run without his equipment and completed it. The on-field umpire didn’t notice it though. He was standing in a good position to spot the same, but it somehow eluded his eyes.

Nevertheless, Boult, from the deep, noticed something wrong it in and he put his arms up in protest and said that Pandya had made a short-run. The replays thereafter manifested the Black Caps’ fast bowler’s words and a run was deducted off India’s scores.

Here is the video

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