Following a prolonged rain delay at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday, the match between the Netherlands and South Africa eventually kicked off, albeit shortened to 43 overs per team.
The Proteas’ opening bowlers made an explosive start by taking three quick wickets, leaving the Dutch team struggling at 41/3. This predicament led to the introduction of Gerald Coetzee into the attack by Temba Bavuma in the 12th over.
Coetzee didn’t have an auspicious beginning, as his first delivery was a wide that slipped down the leg side, eluding the wicket-keeper. However, what followed was even more unexpected. When he approached the crease for the next delivery, the wet ball seemed to slip out of Coetzee’s grip and landed right on the edge of the 22-yard pitch.
This left no chance for the batsman or the wicket-keeper to make a play. Heinrich Klaasen, positioned at first slip, didn’t have to move an inch as the Kookaburra cricket ball came straight to him.
Heinrich Klaasen, the seasoned cricketer, maintained his composure in the face of this bizarre incident and could only manage a chuckle when the replays were displayed on the big screens a few seconds later.
Meanwhile, Coetzee took his time to process what had just transpired. He stood his ground in the middle of the pitch, closely inspecting the ball’s trajectory and the spot where it had landed, before eventually returning to his bowling mark with a smile.