"Daylight Robbery": Controversial Umpiring Decisions and DRS Leave Bangladesh Defeated

In a heartbreaking loss at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Bangladesh faced a 4-run defeat against South Africa in their T20 World Cup match on Monday. The game ended amid controversy due to umpiring errors and the contentious Decision Review System (DRS) rules. Many argue that an umpiring mistake, which led to missing 4 leg-byes, ultimately caused Bangladesh’s defeat. Some are even calling it "daylight robbery."

Despite the close loss, Bangladesh’s fighting performance throughout the match has been praised by many. The team's hopes were dashed when Mahmudullah Riyad was caught attempting a six on the second last ball of the 19th over. With 6 runs needed off the final ball, Taskin could only manage a single off Keshav Maharaj’s full toss, leaving the Bangladesh dressing room in despair.

The controversy arose in the 17th over of Bangladesh’s innings. On the second ball, set batter Mahmudullah attempted a flick shot but missed, and the ball hit his pad and went to the boundary. Initially, the umpire gave him out, but the decision was overturned on review. However, the 4 leg-byes were not added to the scoreboard due to the umpire's error. This 4-run shortfall proved critical as Bangladesh lost by exactly 4 runs.

Legendary Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer raised complaints about the incident. Empathizing with Bangladeshi fans, he posted on social media, saying, "Mahmudullah was wrongly given out LBW, the ball went to the boundary. The DRS decision overturned the dismissal, but since the batter was incorrectly declared out, the ball was dead, and Bangladesh didn’t get the 4 runs. South Africa won by 4 runs. I understand the feelings of Bangladesh fans."

Actress Saiyami Kher also criticized the ICC's rules, posting, "I know life isn’t black and white, but in sports, there should be no gray areas. The dead ball rule needs to be re-examined. Bangladesh lost today because they didn’t get those 4 runs. This is certainly not acceptable."

A fan described the incident as "daylight robbery," reflecting the widespread frustration and disappointment among Bangladesh supporters. The missing 4 leg-byes due to the umpiring error significantly impacted the match outcome, highlighting the need for more accurate and fair officiating in such crucial games.

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

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

I don't usually say such thing but Bangladesh has been robbed of a deserving victory.

That ball from Baartman to Mahmudullah was clearly down leg and trickeled away to BOUNDARY but ump have it OUT, so the runs didn't count.

Proper daylight roberry.#SAvBAN

— Shubham Dubey (@Massive_hit) June 10, 2024