Top 10 Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History

One-Day International cricket has produced thousands of unforgettable moments over the years. Most batters lose their wickets in common ways such as being bowled, caught, trapped leg before wicket (LBW), stumped, or run out. However, there have also been a few extremely rare dismissals that have surprised players, commentators, and cricket fans around the world. These incidents happened because batters accidentally or deliberately broke specific Laws of Cricket, leading to unusual decisions from the umpires.

The Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History include rare methods such as handling the ball and obstructing the field. These dismissals are seen only on very rare occasions, which makes them some of the most memorable moments in ODI cricket. Before 2017, “handled the ball” was a separate method of dismissal under the Laws of Cricket. After the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) updated the laws, handling the ball became part of the broader dismissal known as “obstructing the field.” Even though the wording changed, the historical incidents remain an important part of cricket history.

List of 10 Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History

10. Xavier Marshall

Xavier Marshall is one of the latest players to enter the record books for the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. The former West Indies international, who later represented the United States, experienced this rare dismissal during an ODI against the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah on 8 December 2019. Marshall looked comfortable at the crease and had already scored 34 runs before the unusual moment occurred.

While attempting to avoid a run-out opportunity, Marshall was judged to have illegally obstructed the fielding side. After the umpires reviewed the incident according to the Laws of Cricket, he was declared out for obstructing the field. Such dismissals are extremely uncommon in international cricket, making the incident one of the most talked-about moments from the match. Marshall’s wicket showed that even experienced international players can become part of the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History through a single unexpected action.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Xavier Marshall	Obstructing the Field	34	USA

9. Christopher Chibhabha

Christopher Chibhabha occupies the ninth position on the list of the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History after a rare incident against Afghanistan in Bulawayo on 20 October 2015. The Zimbabwe batter was playing a steady innings and had reached 18 runs before making a decision that resulted in one of cricket’s least-seen dismissals.

During the match, Chibhabha deliberately touched the ball with his hand without receiving permission from the fielding side. Under the Laws of Cricket that existed at the time, this action resulted in a dismissal for handling the ball. Only a handful of ODI players have ever been dismissed in this manner, making his wicket one of the rarest in international cricket. Since the ball was handled, it was later merged with obstructing the field; Chibhabha remains one of the last players officially recorded under the old law. His dismissal continues to be remembered whenever fans discuss the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Christopher Chibhabha	Handled the Ball	18	Zimbabwe

READ MORE: Top 5 Players Dismissed on the First Ball of an ODI Match

8. Ben Stokes

England all-rounder Ben Stokes features among the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History because of an extraordinary incident during the fifth ODI against Australia at Lord’s on 5 September 2015. Stokes had scored 10 runs and was looking to help England build an important partnership before the unusual dismissal ended his innings.

As Stokes attempted to avoid a run-out, his actions were considered to have illegally prevented the fielding side from completing a legitimate play. The umpires ruled him out for obstructing the field after applying the relevant Law of Cricket. The decision immediately became a major talking point because dismissals of this kind are rarely seen in international matches, especially in a high-profile Ashes rivalry. Cricket experts debated the decision for several days, but the laws clearly supported the umpires’ ruling. This memorable moment secured Ben Stokes a place in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Ben Stokes	Obstructing the Field	10	England

7. Anwar Ali

Pakistan all-rounder Anwar Ali takes the seventh spot in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History after his unusual dismissal against South Africa at Gqeberha on 27 November 2013. Although he scored only seven runs, the manner of his dismissal became much more memorable than the innings itself.

While attempting to complete a run, Anwar Ali unintentionally obstructed the fielding side during their effort to complete a run-out. The umpires carefully assessed the situation before ruling him out for obstructing the field. Such dismissals are extremely rare because they require very specific circumstances and a clear breach of the Laws of Cricket. For this reason, Anwar Ali’s wicket is still remembered as one of the rare examples of an obstructing-the-field dismissal in ODI cricket. His name continues to appear whenever cricket historians discuss the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Anwar Ali	Obstructing the Field	7	Pakistan

6. Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez is another Pakistani cricketer who appears in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. His rare dismissal came during Pakistan’s ODI against South Africa in Durban on 21 March 2013. Hafeez, one of Pakistan’s most dependable all-rounders, was dismissed without scoring a run. Although getting out for a duck is disappointing, the unusual way in which his innings ended made it even more unforgettable.

The incident occurred while Pakistan was attempting a quick run. Hafeez unintentionally interfered with the fielding side’s attempt to complete a run-out, and the umpires ruled that he had obstructed the field. Since this type of dismissal is rarely seen in international cricket, it immediately attracted attention from cricket experts and fans. The decision also reminded players that even an accidental action can result in a dismissal if it unfairly prevents the fielding side from completing a legitimate play. Hafeez’s wicket remains one of the best-known examples in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Mohammad Hafeez	Obstructing the Field	0	Pakistan

5. Inzamam-ul-Haq

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq holds fifth place in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History because of an unforgettable incident against India in Peshawar on 6 February 2006. Inzamam had scored 16 runs and looked set to play a longer innings before an unusual sequence of events brought his stay at the crease to an unexpected end.

During a run-out opportunity, Inzamam was judged to have obstructed the field while trying to complete a run safely. After reviewing the incident, the umpires applied the Laws of Cricket and declared him out for obstructing the field. The dismissal generated widespread discussion because Inzamam was one of the world’s leading batters at the time, and very few players of his stature had ever been dismissed in such a rare manner. Even years later, the incident remains one of the most memorable entries in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History, highlighting that every player, regardless of reputation, must follow the Laws of Cricket.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Inzamam-ul-Haq	Obstructing the Field	16	Pakistan

4. Daryl Cullinan

South African batter Daryl Cullinan features prominently in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History because of one of the rarest dismissals ever recorded in international cricket. His unusual dismissal came against the West Indies in Durban on 27 January 1999. Cullinan had played a valuable innings and reached 46 runs before becoming involved in an incident that is still remembered by cricket followers today.

During his innings, Cullinan deliberately handled the ball with his hand, which was against the Laws of Cricket in force at that time. As a result, the umpires dismissed him for handling the ball. Only a handful of players have ever been given out in this manner in ODI cricket, making Cullinan’s dismissal one of the rarest examples in the game’s history. Although the law has since been incorporated into obstructing the field, historical records continue to list his dismissal as handling the ball. This rare moment has ensured that Daryl Cullinan remains an important part of the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Daryl Cullinan	Handled the Ball	46	South Africa

3. Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath is one of the very few cricketers to appear more than once in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. His second unusual dismissal took place during India’s ODI against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on 22 October 1989. Amarnath had scored 28 runs before an unexpected incident resulted in another rare dismissal.

While attempting to complete a run, Amarnath was ruled to have obstructed the fielding side’s efforts, and the umpires declared him out for obstructing the field. The dismissal added another extraordinary chapter to his international career because he had already been involved in another unusual dismissal a few years earlier. Appearing twice on a list of such rare dismissals is an achievement that almost no other international cricketer can match. For that reason, Mohinder Amarnath’s name is permanently linked with the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History, and his unique record continues to be discussed whenever cricket fans talk about the rarest methods of dismissal in the ODI format.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Mohinder Amarnath	Obstructing the Field	28	India

2. Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan opener Ramiz Raja occupies the second position in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History because of one of the most unfortunate dismissals ever seen in One-Day International cricket. The incident took place during Pakistan’s ODI against England in Karachi on 20 November 1987. Ramiz was playing one of the finest innings of his ODI career and had reached 99 runs, needing just one more run to complete a well-deserved century.

As Pakistan looked to build a strong total, an unusual run-out situation developed. During the play, Ramiz Raja was judged to have obstructed the fielding side while they were attempting to complete the dismissal. After consulting the Laws of Cricket, the umpires declared him out for obstructing the field. Missing a century by only one run made the dismissal even more heartbreaking and unforgettable. While many batters have been dismissed in the 90s, very few have lost their wicket in such an extraordinary manner. This unique incident has become one of the most famous entries in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History and is still remembered by cricket fans decades later.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Ramiz Raja	Obstructing the Field	99	Pakistan

1. Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath holds the top position in the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History because he became the first player ever to be dismissed for handling the ball in One-Day International cricket. The historic incident occurred during India’s ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 9 February 1986. Although Amarnath had scored only 15 runs, the way his innings ended ensured that he would forever be remembered in cricket history.

Interestingly, Mohinder Amarnath is also one of the very few players to appear twice on this list, making his record even more unique. His historic dismissal has been discussed by cricket historians, commentators, and fans whenever the rarest methods of dismissal are mentioned. More than three decades later, his name remains synonymous with the Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History, and his place at the top of this ranking is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Player	Dismissal	Runs Scored in an Innings	Team
Mohinder Amarnath	Handled the Ball	15	India

The Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History remind cricket fans that the sport is governed by detailed laws that can influence a match in unexpected ways. While most wickets in One-Day Internationals come through catches, bowled, LBW, run-outs, or stumpings, rare dismissals such as handling the ball and obstructing the field have created some of the most memorable moments in the game’s history.

The Most Unusual Dismissals in ODI Cricket History continue to fascinate cricket fans because they are so rare. Some of these dismissals have happened only once or twice in decades of ODI cricket, making them unique records that are unlikely to be broken often. Whether it is a batter accidentally obstructing the field or deliberately handling the ball, these moments prove that cricket can always produce something unexpected.

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