South Africa’s defeat in their last Super 12 match paved way for both Bangladesh and Pakistan to enter the semi-finals of the 20-20 World Cup 2022. The Super-12 clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh proved to be a quarter-final as the winner would have progressed into knockouts.
As it turned out, Pakistan came out with a five-wicket over the Tigers and, thereby, sealed their spot for the semis. Riding on a sensational spell from Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to 127 runs in the first innings. At the end of the first 10 overs, Bangladesh were in a decent position at 73 for 2. Shanto had set the foundation with a half-century but Shakib Al Hasan had just come to the crease.
However, a controversial moment then came when Bangladesh skipper, Shakib Al Hasan was given out. It led to a controversy as the fans were left divided.
Shadab struck twice on successive balls in the 11th over including a LBW dismissal of Bangladesh skipper Shakib, but there was controversy surrounding it. Shakib reviewed the decision and it appeared from replays that the ball grazed the bat before it hit the pad. However, Shakib was given out by the third umpire too.
Bangladesh, as a result, only managed to score 127 runs in the first innings. Pakistan chased down the score in 18.1 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Meanwhile, Tom Moody and Robin Uthappa expressed their disappointment over the controversial decision.
“Certainly, the evidence that we saw on television, it was clearly not out. There was definitely an edge on the outside. Certainly, the bat was not touching the surface of the pitch. That cannot be confused, that’s where that noise came from. I was incredibly surprised to see that decision,” Tom Moody, former Sri Lanka coach, said on ESPNcricinfo.
“I would be flabbergasted if I was Shakib Al Hasan. There was, that much off the ground. That could be the difference between a 127 and a 150, with Shakib there as well. Shakib has not been among runs but he would be eager to score run in this game. That could be the difference,” Robin Uthappa said.
