The second game of the 13th season of the Indian Premier League was a fascinating affair. Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab fought hard to outmatch each other at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The margin of error was such that even a single race counted for a lot. Both teams were shoulder to shoulder in their quota of 20 overs. Both teams were tied at 157 of 8 when the match turned into a Super Over. Kagiso Rabada then threw a brilliant Super Over to secure the match for Capitals.
However, there was a moment of controversy in the last one about DC bowling. It seems that the howler of Nitin Menon, the new entrant to the ICC Elite Panel, may have cost Kings XI Punjab their first IPL game of the season against DC.
Before the match went into Super Over, television footage showed square leg referee Menon calling it a “short run” when Chris Jordan took a couple of runs from Rabada in the 19th as he played into the long penalty area.
Television replays showed Jordan legally completed the first run and the bat was inside the fold. However, to KXIP’s horror, Jordan was declared a “short haul”, meaning that he did not insert his bat into the fold, which was not the case.
Had that run been allowed, it would have meant KXI would have won the match within 20 overs.
Former India captain Virender Sehwag and his opening partner Aakash Chopra criticized Menon: “I disagree with the chosen man of the match. The referee who gave this short run should have been the man of the match. Short Run nahin tha. And that was the difference, ”Sehwag tweeted.
KXIP owner Preity Zinta was also unhappy with the decision and asked the Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) to introduce new rules.
“I traveled with enthusiasm during a pandemic, I did 6 days of quarantine and 5 covid tests with a smile, but that Short Run affected me a lot. What good is technology if it can’t be used? It’s time for @BCCI to introduce new rules. This cannot happen every year. #DCvKXIP @lionsdenkxip, ”Zinta tweeted.
Chopra and former Delhi Daredevils coach Trent Woodhill also criticized the referee and that no technology was used.
“A short one that wasn’t. Technology must take over in these cases … but that is possible if only the third referee detects it in time. What happens if #KXIP doesn’t make it to the last four by 2 points? Tight, ”Chopra wondered aloud. KXIP may appeal to the IPL Governing Council for a change of decision.
(with PTI inputs)
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