Popular Commentator Slams Umpire Over Controversial Decision
Popular commentator Simon Doull expressed his frustration over the umpiring decisions in Bangladesh's match against South Africa. Read more to find out the details.
At the Nassau Cricket Stadium on Monday, Bangladesh narrowly lost to South Africa by 4 runs in a T20 World Cup match. South Africa batted first and scored 113 runs for 6 wickets. In reply, Bangladesh came close but ultimately fell short, scoring 109 runs for 7 wickets. However, the match outcome was overshadowed by controversial umpiring decisions, drawing strong reactions from popular commentator Simon Doull.
The former New Zealand cricketer shared his thoughts in an interview with the popular cricket website Cricbuzz. He said, “Imagine if this was a final match. It’s hard to accept. There needs to be some changes. The decision made by the umpire was very poor. It was never an LBW. He raised his finger too quickly, which was surprising. Throughout the tournament, umpires have made great decisions, but this was the worst.”
Doull added, “Bangladesh should have gotten four runs, but they didn’t. If this were a World Cup final and a team lost because of such a decision, it would be hard to accept. Changes are needed. I talk about these issues before every ICC tournament. Neutral umpiring on the field is crucial.”
To recap the incident, in the 17th over, Proteas right-arm pacer Ottniel Baartman bowled a delivery that struck Mahmudullah's pad as he attempted a flick shot. The umpire quickly gave him out upon appeal. Bangladesh reviewed the decision, and replays showed that the ball would have missed the leg stump, resulting in the decision being overturned. However, since the umpire had initially given him out, the ball was declared dead before it crossed the boundary. Consequently, Bangladesh did not receive the four leg-byes they should have. Bangladesh eventually lost the match by 4 runs, and this dead ball rule sparked the controversy.
Another decision also went against Bangladesh. In the 18th over, Kagiso Rabada's delivery hit Towhid Hridoy's pad, and the umpire gave him out despite a weak appeal. The umpire’s call led to Hridoy returning to the pavilion. After his departure, Bangladesh couldn't hit any more boundaries and lost the match.
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