In a nail-biting AUS vs PAK 2nd Test at the MCG, wicket-keeper Mohammed Rizwan became the center of a controversial decision. As Pakistan was reeling at 291-5 with the target of 317 runs short-pitched delivery from Aussie Captain Cummins led to a series of events which left Rizwan fuming & frustrated.
Umpire’s Call & DRS Reviews
Cummins appealed for a caught behind which the on-field umpire eventually dismissed. But Cummins didn’t give up & he opted for DRS review. The third umpire, Richard Illingworth, meticulously reviewed the incident using various camera angles. Despite the hotspot technology’s inability to confirm an edge, the Snickometer revealed a crucial detail – the ball had brushed Rizwan’s wristband.
Umpire’s Final Decision & Mohammed Rizwan Outrageous Reaction
The revelation from the third umpire resulted in the on-field umpire overturning his not-out decision resulting in Rizwan getting dismissed. Rizwan got engaged in a heated argument with the umpire expressing his disbelief & disappointment over the decision. The incident became the talking point of the fixture & resulted in a controversy.
Returning to the fixture, Cummins emerged as the chief destroyer securing five crucial wickets in the second innings & ten in the entire fixture. Despite a fighting attack by Shan Masood, Agha Salman & Babar Azam, Pakistan succumbed to a massive 79-run defeat losing the chance to clinch the first test win in Australia since 1995.
Mohammed Rizwan dismissal shook the Batting Order
The dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan proved to be the turning point in the fixture as after him none of their batters could perform with the willow. Agha Salman’s efforts cou;dn’t prove enough as the tailenders failed to contribute anything & thereby resulting in Pakistan getting bowled for 237 runs and losing the fixture by 79 runs. The loss resulted in Australia taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Rizwan’s Controversial Dismissal was talked about on social media
The controversial dismissal of Rizwan was talked about beyond Melbourne Cricket Ground as the Cricket fraternity discussed the role of technology & umpiring decisions in cricket. Even coach Mohammad Hafeez weighed in, criticizing the use of technology and expressing his frustration over the impact it had on the game.
The fixture didn’t conclude the way Pakistan wanted as they lost the crucial fixture by 79 runs & eventually lost the series by 2-0. It was another dismal performance for Pakistan who despite a good fightback eventually lost both the Tests due to poor fielding efforts & inconsistent show with both bat & ball. Heading ahead Pakistan needs to address all its shortcomings & come back stronger for its next assignment.
Also read, PAK vs AUS 2nd Test: Babar trolled after PAK’s defeat
