With both teams tied at the same score, the clash between the Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders held the promise of an intense battle.
The first half witnessed a fluctuating momentum, but a perplexing moment unfolded when Usman Khan, in an unusual turn of events, got out by striking the stumps instead of the ball.
During the fourth delivery of the 18th over, Andre Russell aimed for a wide yorker but ended up delivering an overcooked one. This prompted the Emirati batsman to shift his balance to the back foot, inadvertently going too deep into the crease.
Consequently, he had to stretch at the last moment to play the cut, remaining unaware of the distance from the stumps. In a surprising move, Usman ended up swiping the bat towards the bails, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal.
— Jas Pope (@jas_pope93438) January 31, 2024
While hit-wicket aligns with cricketing rules, Usman’s lapse in judgment made it appear like a rookie mistake, suggesting a lack of certainty regarding the game’s rules. This incident sparked a frenzy on Twitter, as fans weighed in on the unexpected turn of events.