Australian cricketer Tom O'Connell experienced a rare occurrence on Tuesday, being dismissed twice within the same match. Competing for the Chittagong Kings on the opening day of the 2024/25 season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) against the Khulna Tigers at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, O'Connell was initially timed out, only to be recalled, and subsequently dismissed on the very first delivery he faced. This led commentators to label it as the "worst golden duck in history."

The bowling unit of the Tigers caused significant disruption during the powerplay, resulting in the Kings losing five wickets within the first 6.1 overs. O'Connell entered the match at No. 7 following the dismissal of Haider Ali but took an extended period to reach the crease.

"No one anticipated such a rapid succession of wickets," remarked the commentator.

As the Australian hurried across the field, umpires were seen conversing with Khulna Tigers captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who even lifted the umpire's watch at one point. The umpire then approached O'Connell to inform him that he had been timed out, subsequently raising his finger to signal the dismissal.

According to Law 40.1 of the Laws of Cricket, "after the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out."

'The worst golden duck in history'

Miraz, a member of the Bangladesh team led by Shakib Al Hasan, had initially lodged an appeal for a time-out concerning Angelo Mathews during the 2023 World Cup. However, he promptly withdrew his appeal after a brief discussion with the umpire, earning praise from commentators for demonstrating sportsmanship.

Unfortunately for the 24-year-old overseas batter, his situation worsened when he faced the very first ball, which O'Connell hit directly to Mehidy, resulting in a catch.

Earlier, the Khulna Tigers had established a target of 204 runs within 20 overs, with Bosisto contributing an impressive unbeaten 75 runs off 50 balls, including eight boundaries and three sixes. Additionally, Mahidul Islam Ankon, batting at number six, scored 59 not out from just 22 deliveries, featuring six sixes. In response, the Chittagong Kings were dismissed for a mere 166 runs in 18.5 overs, resulting in a defeat by 37 runs.

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