Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his strong displeasure with the Decision Review System (DRS) and believed that what he considered “questionable umpiring” was a significant factor in the Pakistan cricket team’s loss to South Africa.
However, amidst all the excitement of the thrilling clash, a fair share of controversies also emerged. The game reached a controversial conclusion when Tabraiz Shamsi survived a nail-biting LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decision, thanks to the umpire’s judgment. In his final over, with the Pakistan cricket team needing just one wicket to secure victory, Haris Rauf struck Tabraiz Shamsi’s pads and fervently appealed for an LBW dismissal.
At first glance, it appeared to be an incredibly close call, but the on-field umpire ruled it as not out. The Pakistan team, dissatisfied with the decision, opted to challenge the on-field call. The replay revealed that the ball was striking the stumps within the limits of the umpire’s original call.
After the match, Harbhajan Singh took to his social media to share his thoughts on the incident. Bhajji expressed his frustration and believed that Pakistan’s loss was attributed to issues with the ‘DRS’ and ‘poor umpiring’. He wrote:
“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”
However, not everyone received his tweet favorably. Former South African cricketer Graeme Smith swiftly caught wind of the tweet and offered a response. Smith’s reply came in the form of a reference to the time when Rassie van der Dussen was declared out, LBW, while facing Usama Mir’s delivery. When South Africa decided to challenge the decision, it was revealed that the umpire’s call ultimately led to Van der Dussen’s dismissal.
He wrote, “Bhajji, @harbhajan_singh I feel the same as you on umpires call, but @Rassie72 and South Africa can have the same feeling.?”
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