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The ODI World Cup 2023 saw a passionate exchange of views between former international cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Graeme Smith regarding the Decision Review System (DRS). The debate was ignited by a contentious DRS call during the recent nail-biting encounter between South Africa and Pakistan in Chennai.
On October 27, cricket fans witnessed a thrilling contest that ultimately ended with South Africa securing a narrow one-wicket victory over Pakistan. However, it was a particular DRS call involving South African bowler Tabraiz Shamsi that became the center of attention.
The incident unfolded during the 46th over of South Africa’s chase when Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf made a DRS appeal. The call did not favor Rauf, leaving Shamsi to survive due to an umpire’s call. Following the game, Harbhajan took to his social media account to express his frustration with DRS technology and its impact on the outcome of the match.
“Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game… @ICC should change this rule… if the ball is hitting the stump, that’s out whether the umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter… otherwise, what is the use of technology???” Harbhajan tweeted.
Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.. @ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology??? @TheRealPCB vs #SouthAfrica #worldcup
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Aiden Markram, Tabraiz Shamsi shine as South Africa pip Pakistan in a thriller – World Cup 2023
Graeme Smith’s response
In response to Harbhajan’s critique, Smith joined the conversation, acknowledging Bhajji’s point. Smith pointed out that the benefit of doubt could also be extended to Rassie van der Dussen, who was given out based on a marginal umpire’s call.
“Bhajji, @harbhajan_singh I feel the same as you on umpires call, but @Rassie72 and South Africa can have the same feeling.?,” wrote Smith.
Bhajji, @harbhajan_singh I feel the same as you on umpires call, but @Rassie72 and South Africa can have the same feeling.? https://t.co/lcTvm8zXD1
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) October 27, 2023
Harbhajan’s counterargument
Harbhajan promptly responded to Smith’s post, asserting his view on the matter. He contended that, in his opinion, Van der Dussen was not out, but the technology was there to give him out as the umpire had already made the decision. Harbhajan went on to explain that the technology saved the umpire from making an incorrect call, rather than benefiting the player, who could have potentially won the game for South Africa.
“He was not out according to me .. but tech was there to give him out as umpire gave him out.. otherwise umpire would hv looked bad for wrong decision.. they saved the umpire there not the player who could have won the game easily for SA,” tweeted Harbhajan.
He was not out according to me .. but tech was there to give him out as umpire gave him out.. otherwise umpire would hv looked bad for wrong decision.. they saved the umpire there not the player who could have won the game easily for SA https://t.co/8aZXAWjaZR pic.twitter.com/FMZCZ5MTY2
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023
