A contentious officiating decision caused high drama during the match between India and the West Indies at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The Caribbean camp voiced intense frustration after the third umpire ruled in favour of the Indian batter, leaving both the players on the field and head coach Daren Sammy in the dugout visually agitated.
Dispute Over the 11th Over Catch
The turning point unfolded in the 11th over of the Indian chase. West Indies bowler Shamar Springer induced a mistimed shot from Indian batter Ishan Kishan. The ball looped into the air, prompting Matthew Forde to sprint hard and execute a full-length diving effort. While Forde appeared to secure the ball, the on-field umpires harboured doubts about whether the catch had been taken cleanly off the turf, promptly sending the decision upstairs to the third umpire for detailed verification.
Video Review Confirms Ball Touching Ground
The TV umpire scrutinized multiple slow-motion replays from various camera angles. Following a thorough review, the umpire concluded that portions of the ball had touched the ground during the gather, preventing it from being classified as a legitimate dismissal. The West Indies team had firmly believed that the catch was clean, viewing it as the crucial breakthrough required to swing the momentum in their direction. However, once the giant screen flashed the not-out verdict, Caribbean fielders could not conceal their disappointment.
Daren Sammy Shows Frustration as Kishan Capitalizes
While the Caribbean players on the pitch expressed their dismay with animated gestures, head coach Daren Sammy appeared visibly furious watching the monitor from the dugout. Nevertheless, under match regulations, the umpire's ruling remains final and binding, leaving the visiting side no choice but to carry on. Ishan Kishan took full advantage of the reprieve, anchoring his end to finish unbeaten on 37 runs off 27 deliveries, a steady knock that included 5 boundaries without any sixes.
Shreyas Iyer Blazes Unbeaten Century to Seal Victory
At the other end, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a masterclass in aggressive stroke play, notching his maiden century in T20 Internationals. Iyer remained not out on 102 runs from just 43 balls, striking 10 boundaries and launching 6 towering sixes. Propelled by the captain's scintillating hundred, the Indian side effortlessly scaled down the 172-run target in a mere 14.4 overs, securing an emphatic win.
