India fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed cost Essex five penalty runs after his throw struck Yorkshire batter Adam Lyth during Day Three of their 2025 County Championship match at York.
The incident occurred on the second ball of the 63rd over during Yorkshire’s first innings. Khaleel, bowling from over the wicket, delivered a good-length ball that opener Lyth defended comfortably with a straight bat.
As the ball trickled back toward Khaleel – in his follow-through – picked it up and hurled it toward Lyth, causing the batter to flinch. The fiery throw struck Lyth’s ankle, leaving him in visible pain and hobbling around the crease.
Realising his mistake, Khaleel immediately apologised. The on-field umpires conferred and penalised the fielding team five runs. Lyth, who was on 73 not out off 199 balls at that time, batted for another 58 deliveries to add 11 more runs to his tally.
The throw appeared to violate Law 42 (Unfair Play), which categorises "throwing the ball at a player in an inappropriate and dangerous manner" as a Level 2 offence. As per Clause 3.2.3, the umpires awarded five penalty runs to the opposing team.
Earlier, batting first, Essex posted 368. Captain Tom Westley (107) and Dean Elgar (94) led the charge, but from 222-2 they collapsed to 276-6 before Noah Thain's unbeaten fifty restored some stability. Jack White emerged as Yorkshire's standout bowler with figures of 3-68.
Khaleel was signed by Essex for the remainder of England’s domestic summer, with the left-arm quick available for both the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup. On debut, Khaleel claimed his maiden county wicket by dismissing Jonny Bairstow, caught behind by Michael Pepper for 29.
Khaleel Ahmed was part of the India A squad that faced England Lions in a warm-up match before the main series. At Northampton, he claimed 4-70 from 19 overs, dismissing Jordan Cox, James Rew, Chris Woakes and George Hill. The match ultimately ended in a draw.
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