Shoaib Malik first lbw victim of third umpire

Colombo, September 12 : Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik became on Thursday the first batsman ever to be given out leg-before-wicket by the third umpire.

South African television umpire Rudi Koertzen ruled Shoaib had been trapped lbw for one in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Shoaib had been hit on the pads by left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas bowling over the wicket. Umpire Daryl Harper referred the decision to Koertzen who decided the ball had been in line with the stumps.

Under experimental regulations in force for the one-day tournament, field umpires can refer any decision, including lbws and bat-pad catches, to the third umpire. He in turn can then study two television replays in a 20-second period before giving his verdict.