Former Indian cricketers, Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, think a bad umpiring decision cost Pakistan the game against South Africa in ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.
Proteas secured a narrow one-wicket victory over Pakistan in Chennai. The Men in Green could have clinched the game if the on-field umpire had ruled Tabraiz Shamsi out.
On the last ball of the 46th over when South Africa still needed 8, Haris Rauf's delivery pitched on a length and struck Tabraiz Shamsi on the front foot, leaving a substantial gap between the bat and the pad.
Pakistan opted for a Decision Review System (DRS) referral. The ball tracking system was called into action, revealing that the impact was in line with the stumps, although the ball had pitched outside off and just grazed the leg stump. As a result, the on-field umpire's decision was upheld, allowing the batter to survive and carry South Africa to their fifth win, thanks to Keshav Maharaj's crucial contribution.
India's ex-spinner Harbhajan opined that ICC should change this rule as Pakistan would have won if it had not gone against them.
"Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game. ICC should change this rule, if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether the umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology?" Harbhajan posted on X (formerly Twitter)
Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan was of the opinion that Proteas had luck on two occasions. "Two calls went against team Pakistan. Wide and LBW. Looks like South Africa got some Luck with a solid game this World Cup."
However, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith remained Harbhajan that same rue of 'umpires call' went against South Africa as Rassie Van der Dussen was given out in the same manner.
"Bhajji, I feel the same as you on the umpires call, but Rassie and South Africa can have the same feeling?" Smith wrote.
The crucial win saw the Proteas jumping to the first position in the points table with a handsome 2.032 net run rate (NRR).
Temba Bavuma and his men had a few hiccups during the chase of 271 but Aiden Markram's impressive knock of 91 pushed them close to the finish line.
Pakistan got close to winning the match courtesy of a brilliant performance by their pace attack in the later stages of the match as they needed just a wicket off 11 runs but Keshav Maharaj held his nerves and stood till the last minute, eventually scoring the winning shot, sealing the deal for the Proteas.
Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches
October 31 - vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 - vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 - vs England in Kolkata