World Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Controversial 3rd umpire decision stuns Marcus Stoinis during SA vs AUS clash

Five-time World Cup champions Australia experienced a historic loss as South Africa clinched a resounding 134-run victory in Match 10 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The match saw a controversy during Australia’s innings, when all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was left disheartened and in utter disbelief as he had to return to the pavilion following his dismissal.

Stoinis’ argumentative dismissal

While chasing South Africa’s total of 311, Australia found themselves struggling at 70/5. In a crucial moment,  Stoinis gloved a delivery from Kagiso Rabada angling down the leg side, and Quinton De Kock made a spectacular diving catch. Initially ruled not out by on-field umpire Joel Wilson, South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, referred the decision to the third umpire.

Stoinis began to walk off the field before the replay confirmed the contact with his right glove. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough believed that the right-handed batter’s hand was connected to the top hand holding the bat despite a split-screen replay showing a gap between the gloves. The decision remained unchanged after a lengthy discussion with Wilson and the fourth umpire, Chris Brown. This judgment stirred up controversy and debate among avid cricket fans and experts alike.

Here is the video:

Also WATCH: World Cup 2023 – Steve Smith shocked after being given out LBW from a strange review process – AUS vs SA

South Africa’s batting domination

Earlier in the game, Australia won the toss and chose to field, inviting Proteas to first. De Kock, who scored 109 runs off 106 balls, made a formidable start with Bavuma, forging a robust 108-run partnership. However, in the 20th over, Australia broke this partnership by dismissing Bavuma, who had contributed 35 runs off 55 balls, with the wicket taken by Glenn Maxwell.

Aiden Markram added 56 runs off 44 balls and partnered with Heinrich Klaasen (29 off 27) for a 66-run stand. David Miller managed 17 runs off 13 balls, and Marco Jansen contributed 26 runs off 22 balls in the final overs, helping South Africa reach the 300-run mark and leading their side to a respective total of 311/7 in 50 overs.

Maxwell (10-1-34-2) and Mitchell Starc (9-1-53-2) bowled impressively, while skipper Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood each claimed a wicket for Australia.

Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Kagiso Rabada opens up on controversial dismissals of Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis in SA vs AUS clash