Apart from a high-scoring blockbuster, the second ODI between South Africa and Pakistan in Johannesburg hogged the limelight for Fakhar Zaman’s controversial run-out, also involving Quinton de Kock.

The incident took place in the first delivery of the final over when a direct hit from Aiden Markram caught Zaman short of his crease.

However, the run-out led to a huge debate on social media as Proteas wicketkeeper De Kock seemed to gesture that the throw was going towards the non-striker's end, which prompted Zaman to slow down during his run-up.

WATCH: Fakhar Zaman gets run out for 193 in second ODI after Quinton de Kock’s fake fielding

Weighed in on the contentious run-out, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) – the custodians of cricket’s laws – has said it was "up to the umpires to decide" if Quinton de Kock had attempted to distract or deceive the batsman.

“The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived. It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it's Not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball,” MCC tweeted after the game.

As per MCC's Law 41.5.1, "it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball."

In this case, however, the umpires didn’t take any action against De Kock and Zaman had to walk to the pavilion on 193.

His herculean effort, though, went in vain as Pakistan fell 17 runs short while chasing South Africa’s mammoth 342 in 50 overs.

With this win, South Africa levelled the three-match series at 1-1, with the decider slated to be held in Centurion on Wednesday (April 7).