Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was given out by the third umpire in bizarre fashion in the first of three-ODI series against New Zealand at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
In the 40th over of India’s innings, Pandya tried to play a late cut too close to his body off Daryl Mitchell’s bowling. At first, it seemed like Pandya had chopped it on to the stumps. The Kiwi fielders appealed and the on-field umpire referred it to the third umpire KN Anantha Padmanabhan.
The replay clearly showed that the ball was a few inches above the stumps. The bail was removed by wicketkeeper Tom Latham’s gloves. The third umpire checked the ultraedge as well and there was no spike on it.
However, when the decision was showed on the big screen it shocked everyone. Pandya was given out by the third umpire. Even bowler Daryl was surprised by the bizarre decision as replays showed that Pandya was not out.
The 29-year-old reluctantly walked off the field disappointed by the umpire’s decision as the crowd at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium watched in disbelief.
Pandya scored 28 runs from 38 deliveries including three fours, before his unlucky dismissal. He had shared a 74-run partnership for the fifth wicket with opener Shubman Gill who had scored his third century in the format.
Later on in the innings, Latham once again removed the bail. This time the batter did not miss the ball but umpire checked for hit wicket. The replay showed that Gill’s back foot was clearly away from the stumps and Latham removed the bail.
