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An amusing moment involving Nitish Kumar Reddy grabbed attention during the first T20 match between India and New Zealand. The Indian all-rounder took a brilliant catch to dismiss New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs and immediately started celebrating. However, he soon remembered that the delivery was a free hit, meaning Jacobs could not be dismissed caught. Nitish quickly raised his hand to apologise, and the funny moment became a talking point among cricket fans.
IND vs NZ 1st T20: Nitish Reddy's Funny Reaction Goes Viral
The incident occurred during the 16th over of New Zealand's innings, when Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bowling. On the fourth delivery of the over, Bevon Jacobs attempted to play a big shot but sent the ball high into the air.
The ball travelled towards long-on, where Nitish Kumar Reddy was stationed. The Indian fielder kept his eyes on the ball and completed the catch comfortably.
Believing that Jacobs had been dismissed, Nitish immediately began celebrating. However, his celebration was short-lived as he suddenly remembered that the delivery was a free hit.
Nitish Reddy Forgets Free-Hit Rule After Taking Bevon Jacobs' Catch
As soon as Nitish realised his mistake, he raised his hand and made an apologetic gesture. The unexpected reaction added a light-hearted moment to the contest, while Bevon Jacobs received a reprieve and continued his innings.
Nitish's quick change from celebrating the catch to apologising caught the attention of players and cricket fans. The incident also showed how easily a player can momentarily forget an important rule in the excitement of the game.
The video of the incident attracted attention on social media, with fans discussing the amusing moment. What initially appeared to be a successful dismissal turned into one of the match's entertaining incidents.
Why Was Bevon Jacobs Not Given Out Despite Nitish Reddy's Catch?
The reason was simple: the delivery was a free hit. Under cricket's playing conditions, a batter generally cannot be dismissed caught off a free-hit delivery.
Although Nitish completed the catch cleanly, Jacobs could not be given out in this manner. As a result, the New Zealand batter remained at the crease and continued his innings.
However, a batter can still be dismissed off a free hit through certain methods, including run out, obstructing the field and hitting the ball twice, subject to the applicable playing conditions.
Free-Hit Rule Explained: Can a Batter Be Caught Out?
A free hit is awarded after certain types of no-balls, according to the applicable playing conditions. On the subsequent free-hit delivery, the batter cannot normally be dismissed through conventional methods such as being caught, bowled or leg before wicket (LBW).
This rule gives the batting side an additional advantage. Even if a fielder takes an excellent catch, the batter can continue playing if the dismissal is not permitted under the free-hit rules.
That is exactly what happened when Nitish Reddy caught Bevon Jacobs' shot but then remembered the free-hit rule.
Watch VIDEO of Nitish Reddy's Viral Reaction
Nitish Reddy's reaction made the incident particularly entertaining. His initial celebration, followed by the sudden realisation and apologetic gesture, created a memorable moment during the India vs New Zealand T20 match.
The incident offered fans a glimpse of the lighter side of international cricket, where a split-second realisation can turn an apparent wicket into a funny on-field moment.
Also Read: IND vs NZ 1st T20 Live Streaming: How to Watch for Free
