Opener Rohit Sharma's match-winning century has become mired in controversy after the Mumbai lad was let off by some 'bad' umpiring when on 90 with fans and experts slamming the decision
Melbourne: Opener Rohit Sharma's 137 off 126 balls was largely responsible for India's crushing 109-run win over Bangladesh in the World Cup quarter-final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. But the match-winning ton was mired in controversy after the Mumbai lad had a lucky escape on 90. Rohit was caught at deep mid-wicket off Rubel Hossain but umpire signalled a no-ball for the waist-high ball despite TV replays indicating it to be a legitimate delivery.
it was the 40th over with Rohit on 90 and the team total at the time was 196 when the marginal 'no-ball' call went in favour of the Indian opener. Rohit went onto add another 47 runs in quick time to help India go past 300-run mark.
ADVERTISEMENT
Umpire Aleem Dar, standing at square-leg, indicated that the ball had been above Rohit's waist and his colleague Gould called it. However, TV replays showed that it was a real touch-and-go situation which could have gone either way.
Rohit Sharma plays a shot vs Bangladesh during the World Cup quarter-final match between India and Bangladesh at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday. Pic/AFP
Mashrafe Mortaza upset
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza today expressed his displeasure at some of the decisions that went against his side in the match here though he did not say it in so many words.
"I don't want to say anything about the umpiring decisions. Everybody present saw what happened. So it's not fair on my part to comment on this," a peeved Mashrafe said when asked about the umpire's decision.
When probed further as to whether the incident hampered the momentum of his team, Mashrafe said, "Look, a wicket during a crucial juncture is always important. At that point of time, we were putting in a lot of pressure on their batsmen. And everyone saw what happened after that."
Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, who was doing commentary when the incident occurred, was upset with the decision.
Warne said, "That should have been a wicket. The ball was under the waist. He (Aleem Dar) has lost his confidence.”
He said it was a bad decision from an experienced umpire like Dar.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman felt it was not a no-ball and took to a micro-blogging site to share his feeling on the issue. "Bad decision from Gould, was definitely not above the waist. Lucky break for rohit. this can b the difference in getting xtra 20 runs #CWC2015," he tweeted.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoib Akhter tweeted, "Aleem Dar (Pakistani) gave India the Mauka."
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
