The much-awaited match between India and Pakistan ended with the breaking hearts of Pakistani fans. At one point in time, it seemed like the Men in Green had almost sealed the game, with India requiring 48 off 3 overs. However, Virat Kohli had other plans on the eve of Diwali.
The well-settled batter changed his gears to smash Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf and provide India with a chance to turn the tables. Even in the last over, the batter was rewarded with a waist no-ball which was accepted with both hands and sent to the stands. On the following free-hit delivery, Kohli was tricked by Mohammad Nawaz and the ball went on to hit the stumps.
After dislocating the stumps, the ball was still racing towards the boundary role, to which Kohli took advantage and ran three runs. As Pakistan cricketers protested, the umpires were firm on their decision to make the runs stand as it will well within the laws of the game.
However, the moment sparked a massive outcry on social media platforms. To clear the air, former renowned umpire Simon Taufel explained why the umpire’s decision was correct. “After the exciting climax to the India v Pakistan match at the MCG last night, l’ve been asked by many to explain the Byes that India scored after Kohli was bowled off the free hit,” Taufel wrote.
“The umpire made the right decision in signalling Byes after the batters ran three following the ball hitting the stumps and rolling down to 3rd man. For a free hit, the striker cannot be out bowled and therefore the ball is NOT dead on hitting the stumps – the ball is still in play and all conditions under the Laws for Byes are satisfied,” he added.
After a memorable win against arch-rivals, Team India will next lock horns with the Netherlands on Thursday (October 27) before facing mighty South Africa on Sunday.
