Pakistan left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman could never have thought that he would one day be compared to fictional movie character James Bond, often referred to by the code name ‘007’. But that is exactly what happened at Mirpur, during the Asia Cup game between Bangladesh and Pakistan on Tuesday. Having replaced paceman Junaid Khan in the line-up from the previous game against India, Rehman came on to bowl the 11th over of Bangladesh’s innings in his 31st ODI appearance.
His first delivery to opener Imrul Kayes was a high full toss outside off-stump, which was duly called a no-ball by South African umpire Johan Cloete.
His second ball to the left-handed Kayes was another full toss, much higher than the previous one and this time, in the line of the stumps. Kayes pulled it to deep midwicket, where the stationed fielder took a catch, by which time the batsmen had crossed for a run knowing full well that it would be called a no-ball. Cloete checked with the television umpire and again called a no-ball, making Rehman wait for his first legitimate delivery.
After two successive waist-high no-balls – yielding three runs – Cloete gave his first official warning to Rehman, calling over Pakistan skipper Misbah ul Haq to let him know of the situation.
Upon delivering a third consecutive high full toss to Anamul Haque who dispatched the delivery for a four, Cloete immediately banned Rehman from bowling, leaving the bowler stuck with the comical figures of 0-0-8-0.
According to the ODI playing conditions of the International Cricket Council, a pacer or a spinner can only be allowed to bowl two full tosses, following which the bowler will be barred from bowling. And after the first full toss, the bowler will receive a warning.
Cloete was merciful towards the bowler, as Rehman only received a caution after the second full toss, but following the third one, he was removed from the attack. Slow left-arm bowler Fawad Alam completed the over.
0-0-8 Rehman broke an eight-year record for the most runs conceded without bowling a single legal delivery. The unfortunate record previously belonged to Kenyan spinner Collins Obuya, who, coincidentally, gave away five runs against Bangladesh in 2006.
-With New Age input
