In the ODI World Cup match in Chennai, South Africa chased 271 runs against Pakistan in a tight contest, winning by 1 wicket.
It was South Africa’s first World Cup win against Pakistan since 1999, sparking controversy due to umpire decisions.
During the game, a contentious wide decision favored South Africa. Haris Rauf’s delivery edged past Tabrez Shamsi, with Pakistan’s strong appeal for a catch denied by the on-field umpire. Replays showed the ball hitting the bat.
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 umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology??? @TheRealPCB vs #SouthAfrica #worldcup
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023
In the following ball, a Pakistan LBW appeal against Shamsi was also denied by the on-field umpire, leading Pakistan to use the DRS, which upheld the decision.
Two calls went against team Pakistan. Wide and LBW. Looks like South Africa got some Luck with solid game this World Cup… #PAKvSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 27, 2023
Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan criticized the umpiring decisions. Harbhajan called for changes to the ‘umpire call rules,’ saying that if the ball hits the stumps, it should not matter whether the umpire initially called it out or not. Irfan Pathan expressed his displeasure with the two decisions that went against Pakistan and suggested that fortune favored South Africa in this thrilling World Cup match.
