South African cricket team and player Quinton De Kock came under immense criticism on social media for the dismissal of Fakhar Zaman in the second match in the three-match ODI series on Sunday.
The batting lineup collapsed but opener Fakhar Zaman stayed at the crease and supported the team with his spectacular knock of 193 runs off 155 balls. The match became controversial after South African wicket-keeper, Quinton De Kock, cheated Fakhar Zaman with five runs.
Not how we play the gentlemen’s game #QuintonDeKock #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/0cojcZu9Im
— Shifa Habib (@shifa_habib) April 4, 2021
Take a bow Fakhar Zaman 🔥🔥 that was special, deserved a double.. #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/Wqy3OR3HbX
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) April 4, 2021
As far as I understand this law, Fakhar Zaman should have been not out and Pakistan must have been awarded 5 penalty runs. pic.twitter.com/uFXD9zeOY4
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 4, 2021
Quinton de Kock was cheeky with that Fakhar Zaman run out. But it is interesting that the umps didn't see it as a fake fielding. It will be an interesting debate.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 4, 2021
Cricket fans accused that Fakhar Zaman got run out after De Kock confused him which lead to the ‘cheating in the match’. The incident occurred in the last over of the match where the Pakistani team had to score 31 runs to win the match and series. It all started with Fakhar Zaman playing a shot on the first delivery by Aiden Markram of the last over. With Haris Sohail at the non-striker’s end, Zaman played the shot at his off-side and aimed for two runs.
While returning to the striker’s end, De Kock’s gestures suggested that the ball was aimed at the non-striker’s end which caused him to slow a bit but was soon caught with surprise when the fielder threw the ball at the striker’s end resulting in the fall of his wicket.
Pakistan cricket fans were left upset and enraged, bringing them to the conclusion that South African players resorted to cheating to win the match.
Read more: Pakistan cricket team becomes first to score 100 wins in T20 matches
Pakistan may not have won the match but fans desperately wished Zaman to achieve an outstanding feat of a double-century who was just 7 runs short. Nevertheless, Fakhar Zaman played a tremendous inning, set a record for the highest individual score in a chase in the ODI history and the second-highest for the losing team.
His dismissal sparked a controversy on social media as ICC rules were searched and Twitter users demanded the cricketing body to impose the penalty on the South African team.
Fakhar Zaman "I'm not bothered about missing out on a score of 200. The only thing I am disappointed about is not winning the match. I would have been much happier had I scored less and we won the game" #SAvPAK #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) April 4, 2021
The smile deceivers have on their faces is so evil. Karma will take good care of Quinton de Kock. The #FakharZaman's batting today would be written in golden words in history! pic.twitter.com/NWDSC5wiLA
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) April 4, 2021
Fakhar Zaman joins an elite list 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Qz1oP7eC1L
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 5, 2021
South African whole management stood and applauds for #fakharzaman 👑❤️ pic.twitter.com/W8QGKjMrPS
— Joe Vignesh (@JoeVignesh5) April 4, 2021
Picture of Quinton De Kock giggling after the dismissal of Fakhar Zaman also gained traction on social media. The cricketer came with strong duress for exhibiting silly and lack of sportsmanship on the field.
Read more: Shoaib Akhter reprimanded Indian journalist for mocking Pakistan cricket team
Meanwhile, Zaman in his post-match speech took full responsibility for his dismissal adding that South African team is not to be blamed for his dismissal as he should have been careful.