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During the ODI World Cup 2023 match between India and Bangladesh on October 19, a significant controversy emerged in the 42nd over of India’s innings. It revolved around a delivery from Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, which was directed down the leg side. Umpire Richard Kettleborough decided not to signal it as a wide, a decision that attracted scrutiny. At that moment, Virat Kohli was at 97 on the verge of his century, with India needing just two runs to secure victory.
Kohli capitalized on this pivotal juncture, smashing a six off the next ball to complete his century and with that India achieved a seven-wicket victory. However, this event triggered a passionate debate, with some suggesting that the wide ball was deliberate.
Najmul Hossain Shanto clarifies the wide ball controversy with Virat Kohli
Bangladesh’s stand-in captain in that game, captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, stepped forward to address the controversy surrounding the non-wide ball.
During a post-match press conference, Shanto made it abundantly clear that there was no deliberate effort to bowl a wide ball to prevent Virat Kohli from reaching his century. The 25-year-old emphasized that their primary goal was to participate in a fair and competitive game, free from any concealed motives or hidden agendas.
“No, no. There was no such plan. It was a normal plan. No bowler had the intention to bowl a wide ball. We tried to play a proper game. It was not intentional,” Shanto said.
Also READ: Nasser Hussain gives his verdict on India’s performance in the ODI World Cup 2023
Virat Kohli’s records and milestones
Despite the controversy, Kohli’s performance in the game was remarkable. He achieved several records and inched closer to India’s cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in terms of centuries. The Indian stalwart now has 48 ODI centuries, with Tendulkar holding the record at 49. Kohli requires just one more century to equal Tendulkar and two more to surpass the iconic cricketer.
Furthermore, Kohli achieved the distinction of becoming the fastest cricketer to reach 26,000 international runs when during the unbeaten knock against Bangladesh, underscoring his exceptional batting prowess.
