West Indies protest over dubious on-field umpire calls
8 minutes of play was halted during series decider between Bangladesh and West Indies after umpire Tanvir Ahmed adjudged Oshane Thomas' delivery as a no-ball after getting Liton Das out caught in the 3rd T20I in Dhaka. Utter chaos was caused at the Sher-e-Bangla national stadium when instant replays confirmed that Thomas' heel was behind the line.
Windies T20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite was absolutely livid after watching the replays on the big screen and insisted on using the DRS to review it. After heated discussions, the fourth umpire and match referee, Jeff Crowe, called Braithwaite aside to the boundary line, who were joined by the Windies team management and Bangladesh skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, following which Das was reinstated and a free-hit was awarded to the hosts. The no-ball stood.
Here's how the matter went live - There is a huge halt in play here. The umpire has called a no ball and what came up on the replays, the decision seems to be harsh. The ball was a wicket one and it has agitated the Windies fielders. They have seen the replays and are protesting here. Braithwaite even asks for the umpire to take a review but the umpire says that cannot happen. Braithwaite and Co. do not want to continue without a fair decision here. The captain is seen talking to the fourth umpire as well as the match referee Jeff Crowe.
No ball! The decision stands and the next ball will be a Free Hit! Braithwaite after a huge conversation walks back in disgust. Coming to the ball though, it was a length ball outside off and Liton mistimes this in the air towards mid on who takes it comfortably. He throws it back as he has seen the signal from the umpire. The drama was what followed post that. (Match Scorecard)
The 10-minute drama concluded with the umpires getting into and huddle.
However, the dispute fired up West Indies as they went on to win the 3rd T20I by 50 runs and clinched the three-match series 2-1.
The match could be called a great show of spirit by the Windies as they stuck together and have come hard at the Bangladeshis during the chase and derailed the hosts completely. Keemo Paul was the star with the ball as he picked up 5 wickets and from 62/1 the hosts have fallen to 140 all out. In fact at one time, they were down at 96-8, having lost 7 wickets for 36 runs.
Windies lost the Test and ODI series against Bangladesh, but finish the tour with a trophy in hand.
