LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged a critical flaw in the Decision Review System (DRS) during a pivotal match featuring Pakistan against the high-scoring South Africa at Chennai’s Chidambaram Stadium on a Friday.
In an intense and thrilling contest, South Africa narrowly overcame Pakistan, winning by just one wicket. This victory has significantly complicated Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023.
Pakistan’s formidable group of fast bowlers endured a strenuous battle to secure their triumph, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the crucial wicket. On the other hand, the Proteas needed just 8 runs to clinch the game. When Tabrez Shamsi faced Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf, a delivery struck his pad, prompting the Men in Green to appeal for LBW. However, the on-field umpire remained silent, signaling the Green Shirts to utilize their DRS option.
Upon reviewing the replay footage, it became evident that a substantial portion of Rauf’s delivery was hitting the stumps. Surprisingly, the third umpire opted not to overturn the initial decision, raising eyebrows worldwide and prompting the ICC to offer an explanation.
A similar decision during the match came under heavy criticism on social media, compelling the ICC to clarify the situation. This time, South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen faced Osama Mir in the 19th over, and a ball striking his pads led to an appeal from the fielding side. The on-field umpire ruled Dussen out, but the Proteas chose to exercise their DRS option.
The initial DRS review suggested that the ball had veered wide of the first wicket, but an alternate camera angle revealed that it had indeed brushed the stumps. This raised concerns among cricket enthusiasts about the efficiency of the DRS, prompting the ICC to step in and provide an explanation.
The ICC clarified the situation, explaining that the first DRS replay was incorrect, while the second review offered a clearer perspective, leading to the batsman being declared out.
