The clash between South Africa and Bangladesh turned out to be an absolute Cenima, as South Africa won their third match on the trot, beating Bangladesh by a narrow margin of just 4 runs. Bangladesh were in commanding position, as they needed only 27 runs to win in the final four overs.
However, a DRS loophole gave a decision in South Africa’s favor, which in the end turned out to be quite decisive as the proteas won the match only by 4 runs.
The incident took place in the 17th over of Bangladesh’s innings when, on the second delivery of the over-batter, Mehmadullah attempted a flick shot, but the ball struck on his pad and raced away to the boundary. The umpire raised his finger; however, the batter took DRS as soon as the on-field decision was given.
In the DRS, it was clearly seen that the ball would not have hit the stumps, and the on-field decision had to be overturned.
In spite of the decision being in Bangladesh’s favor, the boundary was not added to their total, and eventually they lost the match by 4 runs.
Here’s what the ICC rules say regarding the controversial decision:
3.7.1 If, following a Player Review request, an original decision of Out is changed to Not Out, then the ball is still deemed to have become dead when the original decision was made (as per clause 20.1.1.3). The batting side, while benefiting from the reversal of the dismissal, shall not benefit from any runs that may subsequently have accrued from the delivery had the on-field umpire originally made a not-out decision, other than any no-ball penalty that could arise under paragraph 3.3.5 above.
3.7.2 If an original decision of not out is changed to out, the ball shall retrospectively be deemed to have become dead from the moment of the dismissal event. All subsequent events, including any runs scored, shall be ignored.
Law 20.1.1.3 of the Dead Ball Law (the most important law in cricket) states that “a batter is dismissed. The ball will be deemed dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.”