In cricket, controversies are an integral part of the game, and recently, a significant one unfolded during a World Cup match between Pakistan and South Africa in Chennai. The incident in question revolved around Rassie van der Dussen’s LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decision. This controversial moment sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, and it all began when umpire Paul Reiffel gave the South African batter out in the 19th over of their chase.
The crucial moment occurred in the match when Pakistan’s leg-spinner, Usama Mir, delivered a flatter delivery. Van der Dussen, without judging the trajectory of the ball, attempted to play it but was hit on the pads. To the naked eye, it appeared that the ball might have missed the stumps, but umpire Reiffel thought otherwise and raised his finger. As expected, van der Dussen decided to opt for the DRS (Decision Review System).
The DRS, which employs ball-tracking technology, initially showed that the ball would have missed the leg stump. However, moments later, another track was displayed on the screen, indicating that the ball was clipping the stump. Notably, on both occasions, the tracking showed that the ball was pitching in line, and the impact was labelled ‘umpire’s call.’ The catch was that the two tracking replays had different paths for the final trajectory of the ball, adding to the perplexity.
The second ball-tracking replay was considered the final one, and as van der Dussen had been given out on the field, the third umpire had no reason to overturn the double ‘umpire’s call’ verdict on DRS. Consequently, van der Dussen had to depart the field with just 21 runs, leaving South Africa’s innings in a delicate situation.
@TinusvS4 Did you see this? DRS shows Rassie is not out and then resets and then shows out? Who's is verifying DRS and how does such mistakes happen? pic.twitter.com/1PjIKkdfvz
— WhatWouldKallisSay (@WhatKallisSaid) October 27, 2023
This LBW decision had a significant impact on the match. South Africa, who had been cruising in their 21-run chase, suddenly found themselves vulnerable. Pakistan seized this opportunity to claw their way back into the game by picking up the crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen for just 12 runs.
The controversy did not end on the field; minutes after van der Dussen was given out, screenshots of the two ball-tracking replays began circulating on social media. Fans voiced their discontent and demanded an explanation from the broadcasters and the ICC.
In response to the mounting pressure and questions surrounding the LBW decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) swiftly clarified. The ICC acknowledged that the first graphic shown during the LBW review of Rassie van der Dussen was displayed ‘erroneously.’ They went on to affirm that the correct graphic, with the accurate details, was eventually shown.
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“In today’s match between South Africa and Pakistan, an incomplete graphic was erroneously displayed during the LBW review of Rassie van der Dussen. The completed graphic with the right details was ultimately displayed,” stated an ICC spokesperson.
It wasn’t just van der Dussen’s LBW decision that raised questions. Towards the end of the match, Pakistan’s pacer, Haris Rauf, trapped South Africa’s last batter, Tabraiz Shamsi, in front of the stumps. Umpire Alex Wharf, however, believed the ball was going down the leg side and adjudged it not out. Pakistan immediately decided to go for a review.
The replays showed that the ball was pitching in line, and the impact was in line. However, since Haris was bowling from wide of the crease, the DRS ball-tracking suggested that the ball would have come in sharply with the angle and clipped the stumps. As ‘umpire’s call’ flashed on the big screen, the Pakistan players were left distraught. This decision not only denied them a wicket but also the match itself, as it was the last South African pair.
As fate would have it, Keshav Maharaj hit a boundary in the next over, securing a remarkable one-wicket win for South Africa. This victory propelled them to the top while Pakistan was considering elimination.
