Rohit Sharma has lashed out at Inzamam Ul Haq's claims of ball tampering ahead of India versus England T20 World Cup semifinal, which is scheduled to be played on June 27. Earlier, India's impressive 24-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage, which secured them a semifinal berth, was marred by a ball-tampering accusation from Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzamam alleged that something was done to the ball during the match, allowing Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh to generate reverse swing during Australia's batting innings.
"You can't ignore the fact that when Arshdeep Singh was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reverse-swinging. Isn't it too early for the new ball to start reversing? The ball was ready to reverse by the 12th-13th over. Umpires should keep their eyes open. We a know a bit about reverse swing, so if Arshdeep Singh is able to reverse swing the ball, some serious work was done on the ball," Inzamam earlier told Pakistan's 24 News channel.
“If Pakistan bowlers did this, there would have been hue and cry. We know how to reverse it really well. If Arshdeep can reverse it in the 15th, there's been some serious work done on the ball. If Bumrah does it (you can understand), his action is like that. When others with a specific action or speed do it, it means the ball has been prepared in a special way,” Inzamam had further stated.
Rohit Sharma rubbishes Ball-tampering allegations
Rohit was quizzed about the ball tampering allegations right ahead of India's semifinal clash against England. Rohit strongly said that where the ball will swing if not in Caribbean conditions, given the dry pitches.
“It’s so hot here plus the dry pitches. If it won’t reverse swing here where will it? We aren’t playing in England or Australia,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.
After setting a target of 205 runs, India tightened their grip on Australia, thanks to a phenomenal bowling performance by young pacer Arshdeep Singh. Australia seemed well-positioned in their chase, needing just 81 runs in the last eight overs with eight wickets remaining.
However, Arshdeep Singh had other plans. His second spell proved to be a game-changer for India. He picked up two crucial wickets in the 16th and 18th overs, effectively halting Australia's momentum and derailing their chase. This shift in momentum ultimately restricted Australia to 181 runs, securing a vital victory for India.
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