New Zealand's dramatic win over Afghanistan at the U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa has been overshadowed by the controversial runout of NZ batter Ewald Schreuder at the non-striker's end - a dismissal more commonly referred to as a 'mankad'.
With New Zealand at 90/8, needing two runs to win with just two wickets remaining, Afghanistan captain Naseer Khan caught Schreuder out of his crease during his bowling run-up to leave the lowscoring match perilously balanced.
Fortunately for New Zealand, Matt Rowe backed up his bowling heroics, capturing 5/21 with the ball - by hitting the winning runs to help his team escape with a one-wicket victory.
After the match, Naseer defended his actions as within the letter of the law.
"It is in the rules and that's why I did it," Naseer told ICC.
The 'mankad' is widely considered against the spirit of the game, despite attempts by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) - who are responsible for the laws of the game - to destigmatise the mode of dismissal in recent years.
During last year's one-day international series opener against Bangladesh, Blackcaps spinner Ish Sodhi became a victim of a 'mankad', but was called back to the crease by Bangladesh captain Liton Das. New Zealand went on to win the match by 86 runs.
NZ coach Jonny Bassett-Graham says the incident should serve as a reminder to his players to always be on their toes.
"It's a real lesson for our guys - just to be more aware," said Bassett-Graham. "It's part and parcel of the game, and we've seen plenty of it before.
"It's always going to make for a controversial moment in any game. Fortunately, it didn't dictate the final result in the end."
The result moves New Zealand to the top of Group D, after winning their opening match against Nepal. They'll face Pakistan in their next outing on Saturday.
