The first ODI match between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw controversy when debutant Irfan Khan skipped at deep leg and “almost” saved a six. But in the end, the third umpire ruled in Australia's favor, ignoring the debutant's heroic efforts.

The event occurred in the 20th over of the first ODI when Australian batsman Josh Inglis landed a pull shot against Shaheen Shah Afridi. Out of nowhere, Irfan had returned and jumped over to pull the ball back into the ropes. If that was the case, why was the attempt deemed invalid and why was it awarded a six?

Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) latest law on boundary rope catches states that the fielder's first contact must be within the boundary rope. However, Irfan's feet touched the ropes at the first contact with the ball and he was given a six.

This is what the laws say:

Rule 19.5.2 states: “A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be out of bounds on the ground when he/she makes the last contact with the ground before he/she touches the ball for the first time after he/she The bowler was not completely inside the boundary.

It was not the first time such an incident occurred in Australia as all-rounder Michael Neser pulled off one of the greatest catches of all time on the boundary ropes, hitting back Jordan Silk in a Big Bash League clash.

However, on this occasion the Queenslander's first contact occurred inside the ropes and he later performed his acrobatic efforts outside the boundary rope while in the air. That was what differentiated the two catches; Neser didn't step on the ropes at all, making his catch legal.

Luckily for Pakistan, this decision didn't cost much as Shaheen had the last laugh when Inglis was caught in the same area against the same fielder, Irfan, the next delivery for 49. Australia eventually won the duel 3-3 by two wickets , their narrowest ever margin of victory in an ODI clash at the MCG and ten consecutive home ODI wins.

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