EXPLAINED: Why was Irfan Khan’s superhero effort at boundary given a six?

Controversy brewed in the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) when the debutant Irfan Khan leapt across at the deep leg and ‘almost’ saved a six. But the third umpire ended up ruling the decision in Australia’s favour, neglecting the debutant’s heroic efforts.

The event happened in the 20th over of the second innings when the Australian batter Josh Inglis nailed a pull shot against Shaheen Shah Afridi. Out of nowhere, Irfan had tracked back and leapt across to pull the ball back within the ropes. If that was the case, why was the effort deemed invalid, and why was it given six? 

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)’s latest law regarding catches on the boundary rope deems that the first contact from the fielder must be within the boundary rope. However, in Irfan’s case, when he made his first contact with the ball, his feet were already touching the ropes, which is why it was given a six. 

Here’s what the laws say: 

Law 19.5.2 states: "A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyond the boundary if his/her final contact with the ground, before his/her first contact with the ball after it has been delivered by the bowler, was not entirely within the boundary."

It wasn’t the first time such an incident prevailed in Australia, with all-rounder Michael Neser pulling off one of the greatest-ever catches at the boundary ropes to send Jordan Silk back in a Big Bash League clash. 

On that occasion, however, the Queenslander’s first contact was inside the ropes, and later on went about his acrobatic efforts outside the boundary rope whilst being in the air. That was what differentiated the two catches; Neser never stepped on the ropes in the first place, which made his catch legal. 

Luckily for Pakistan, that decision didn’t cost a lot as Shaheen had the final laugh, with Inglis caught out in the same region to the same fielder, Irfan, the very next delivery for 49. Australia eventually went on to win the clash by two wickets, their closest-ever margin in an ODI clash at the MCG, and taking them to ten consecutive ODI wins at home. 

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