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The narrow defeat of Bangladesh to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked outrage among cricket experts, with the dead-ball rule coming under heavy scrutiny.
The drama unfolded during a tense 17th over of Bangladesh’s chase. Mahmadullah was adjudged leg before wicket, but replays confirmed the ball had deflected onto the boundary. While Bangladesh successfully overturned the dismissal through DRS, the dead-ball rule, due to the umpire’s initial call, denied them four crucial leg-bye runs.
This decision proved decisive, as Bangladesh fell agonizingly short by just four runs in a low-scoring encounter.
Dead-ball rule
According to the rule, if the on-field umpire gives a batter out LBW, and the decision is later overturned by the third umpire, no extra runs (leg-byes or byes) will be awarded. However, if the on-field umpire’s decision of not out remains unchanged after a review, the batting team can be awarded leg-bye runs.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 – Controversial umpiring decision leaves Towhid Hridoy frustrated after Bangladesh’s narrow loss to South Africa
Sunil Gavaskar, Saiyami Kher and others react to the dead-ball controversy
Cricket experts have reacted strongly to the outcome of the dead-ball on the match.
India legend Sunil Gavaskar, commentating during the SA vs BAN match, pointed out that captains can take advantage of the dead-ball rule and use the reviews to deny crucial runs to the opposite team.
Cricketer-turned-actress Saiyami Kher took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “I know life is not black and white but sport has no place for grey areas. This dead ball rule really has to be looked into. Bangladesh have lost today because they didnt get those 4 runs. Definitely not fair.”
I know life is not black and white but sport has no place for grey areas.
This dead ball rule really has to be looked into. Bangladesh have lost today because they didnt get those 4 runs . Definitely not fair. 😒#SAvsBan #T20WC— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) June 10, 2024
“Mahmudullah was wrongly given out LBW, the ball went for four leg byes. The decision was reversed on DRS. Bangladesh didn’t get the 4 runs as ball is dead once batter given out, even if wrongly. And SA ended up winning the game by 4 runs. Feel for Bangladesh fans,” tweeted former India Test opener Wasim Jaffer.
Mahmudullah was wrongly given out LBW, the ball went for four leg byes. The decision was reversed on DRS. Bangladesh didn’t get the 4 runs as ball is dead once batter given out, even if wrongly. And SA ended up winning the game by 4 runs. Feel for Bangladesh fans. #SAvBAN #T20WC
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 10, 2024
England cricketer Sam Billings echoed Jaffer’s sentiments. “Terrible rule that needs changing,” he commented on X.
Terrible rule that needs changing! https://t.co/fd005YEle4
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) June 10, 2024
“SA win by 4 runs. Why some rules in cricket are stupid and needs to be changed,” cricketer-turned coach Yo Mahesh captioned his social-media post.
SA win by 4 runs.Why some rules in cricket are stupid and needs to be changed 💆🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/iMKgSk9bV0
— Yomahesh Vijayakumar (@yomi2105) June 10, 2024