WATCH: Wicketkeeper’s eagerness results in umpire signalling 'rare no-ball' during T20 Blast quarter-final

The T20 Blast 2024 witnessed a "very rare no-ball", prompting many cricket fans to call it an "obscure rule". The unusual incident took place during the third quarter-final match between Somerset and Northamptonshire on Thursday, September 5.

The bowler did not step out of the crease, nor was the ball above the batsman's waist. Yet the umpire gave the no-ball signal and fans on social media are calling for the rule to be changed.

Somerset batter Lewis Gregory was deceived by Northamptonshire orthodox bowler Saif Zaib’s delivery outside the off-stump. Gregory tried to hit a boundary but the ball took a serious turn to beat the batter’s outside edge. Wicketkeeper Lewis McManus was quick to collect the ball and did the stumping, noticing the batter stepped outside the crease.

Also Watch: Rory Burns' wicket-keeping blunder ruins fielder’s valiant effort in T20 Blast quarter-final

Northamptonshire appealed for the wicket and the on-field umpire sent the decision upstairs. The third umpire checked the replay multiple times and found out that McManus had crossed the line of the stumps before collecting the ball and stumping.

“So that’s a clear no-ball. The gloves are in front of the stumps,” the umpire can be heard saying in the video. Although McManus' hands were behind the stumps while collecting the ball, the umpire declared it an illegal delivery as his hands were in front of the stumps after the bowler delivered the ball.

The tournament’s official X handle shared a video of the incident with a caption: “A very rare type of no ball”.

Watch the viral video below:

A very rare type of no ball 👀 pic.twitter.com/j5QYoDeihC

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) September 5, 2024

Somerset get thrilling win in high-scoring encounter 

Wicketkeeper McManus and Northamptonshire were made to pay a heavy price as Gregory dispatched the free-hit delivery into the stands. The Somerset skipper remained unbeaten on 20 off 12 balls and helped his team reach a massive score of 215 in the first innings. Earlier, opener Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore scored half-centuries.

Chasing a challenging total, Northamptonshire suffered an early setback as they lost opener George Bartlett for a duck. Captain David Willey fought hard with a brilliant half-century but did not get enough support from his teammates. Eventually, Somerset won by 17 runs.

Also Watch: Marnus Labuschagne pulls off stunning diving catch during T20 Blast 2024 match vs Gloucestershire