Controversy in Bangladesh-PAK Match... Pakistani Team Files Complaint After Series Defeat

The final match of the three-game ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh was played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur (Dhaka). In this high-voltage encounter held on Sunday, March 15, the Bangladeshi team defeated Pakistan by 11 runs to clinch the series 2-1.

Pakistan suffered a 1-2 series defeat in the One Day International (ODI) series against the host nation.

Controversy in Bangladesh-PAK Match

Bangladesh secured an ODI series victory against Pakistan after an 11-year hiatus; however, a controversy erupted regarding a DRS (Decision Review System) call made during the final over of the match. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, following their defeat, the Pakistani team has lodged an official complaint regarding this matter with the ICC Match Referee, Niamur Rashid. Prior to this incident, during the first match of the ODI series, Salman Ali Agha was run out by Bangladeshi captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz—a dismissal that had also sparked considerable uproar at the time.

The Pakistani team alleges that Bangladesh was improperly permitted to take a review during the final over of the third ODI. This incident occurred on the fifth delivery of the final over of Pakistan's innings. At that moment, Bangladeshi spinner Rishad Hossain was bowling, with Pakistani captain Shaheen Shah Afridi at the crease. Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena signaled the delivery as a 'wide,' but Bangladesh's wicketkeeper, Litton Das, and the bowler felt there was a potential case for an LBW dismissal against the batsman.

Pakistani Captain Argues with Umpires

Subsequently, Bangladesh opted for a review, which the umpire accepted. The Pakistani team contends that a review cannot be requested against a 'wide' call, and further alleges that Bangladesh initiated the review only after watching the replay on the giant screen. The Pakistani team is also aggrieved by the fact that the stipulated 15-second time limit for requesting a review had already elapsed. However, since no timer was visible during the TV broadcast, it could not be confirmed whether the review was taken within the allotted time.

Summary

When the matter was referred to the third umpire, UltraEdge clearly showed that the ball had grazed the bat. Consequently, the decision of a wide was overturned. During this sequence, Shaheen Shah Afridi was also seen arguing with the umpires; however, this made no difference as the wide call had already been reversed. Nevertheless, this entire controversy did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the match. Shaheen was dismissed on the final delivery, and Bangladesh won the contest, thereby clinching the series.