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ICC Rule Explained: Did Smith's Sportsman Spirit Cost Australia vs Afghanistan?

Debashis Sarangi

Smith withdrew appeal against Noor Ahmad [Source: @utsav__45/X]Smith withdrew appeal against Noor Ahmad [Source: @utsav__45/X]

Australia's talismanic batter Steve Smith won hearts with a generous act, as he withdrew a run-out appeal against Noor Ahmad in the ongoing Champions Trophy encounter versus Afghanistan in Lahore. The incident grabbed the fans' attention, elevating Smith's stature as a gentleman of the game. 

How Steve Smith Saved Noor In Champions Trophy?

The incident occurred during 47th over of Afghanistan's innings when Azmatullah Omarzai was trying to ensure a fitting finish for his side along with Noor Ahmad. After conceding nine runs off his first three deliveries, Nathan Ellis bowled two consecutive dot balls, keeping Omarzai under the pump. 

The batter managed to take a single off the last ball which was a good-length delivery on the stumps. Noor Ahmad left the striker's end before the ball was collected by Josh Inglis, who dislodged the bails and appealed for a run-out. However, Australian captain Steve Smith withdrew the appeal, giving Noor a lifeline. 

What Does ICC Rule Say?

It would've been considered fair-play if Smith had appealed for a run-out. When Noor left the crease, the ball hadn't reached the striker's end, and, as a result, it was still in play. 

According to the ICC rule book, the fielding side can appeal for a run-out if the batter is not inside the crease with the ball still in play. For example, Alex Carey executed a similar dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, grabbing the spotlight during the previous Ashes edition. 

However, Smith kept the sportsman spirit intact and opted against appealing for a run-out. Regarding the match, Afghanistan posted a challenging total of 273 runs, riding on sensational knocks from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai.