‘Ball Was Still in Play’ – Mushtaq Ahmed Backs Miraz Over Controversial Run-Out Dismissal

Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed defended Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s controversial decision to run out Salman Ali Agha at the non-striker’s end. He said the ball was still in play, which meant Agha needed to be more careful about where he was standing in the crease.

“It happened so quickly actually that we didn’t really understand what happened at that moment.” said Mushtaq Ahmed after the match.

“I think Miraz thought Agha was outside the crease and was trying to stop the ball. The ball went straight to Miraz’s legs and at the same time Agha probably thought he was trying to help Miraz pick the ball up and give it back to him,” added Mushtaq Ahmed.

He further said that Miraz was just focused on picking up the ball, as he knew that Agha was standing outside of the crease.

“So I think it was just a situation where things happened very quickly. Miraz was simply trying to pick up the ball and attempt a run-out because Agha was outside the crease. It all happened very fast,” said Mushtaq Ahmed.

He then elaborated that it was a situation in which no one was wrong, as Salman Agha was just trying to help Miraz, while the Bangladesh skipper found an opportunity to get him out.

“I think both parties were not wrong at that time. Agha Salman tried to help him, and at the same time Miraz was very much into the game and thought he could run him out,” said Mushtaq Ahmed.

“As I said, the ball was still in play and Agha was outside the crease. As a bowler, when you pick the ball up you are always trying to run someone out if the opportunity is there. Agha was quite far away from the crease. He probably thought the ball was dead and maybe didn’t realise how far he was out. When the ball hit Miraz’s legs, Miraz felt he had the chance to run him out.” added Mushtaq Ahmed.