Sri Lanka’s assistant coach, Naveed Nawaz, expressed considering reporting the caught-behind decision against Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar to the match referee after their defeat in the second T20I. Nawaz claimed that the big screen clearly displayed a spike.
The incident happened in the fourth over of Bangladesh’s innings when Sarkar, attempting a pull against Binura Fernando, was given out by the on-field umpire.
Despite a visible spike on replays, the third umpire overturned the decision, citing a clear gap between the bat and the ball, leaving the Sri Lankan players dissatisfied.
After the match, Naveed Nawaz mentioned that the third umpire lacked substantial evidence to overturn the decision. He stated, as quoted by Cricbuzz:
“The on-field umpire had given him out and I am sure the TV umpire got to have conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field umpire’s decision.”
”We haven’t seen the footage or anything like that but it was clear that there was a spike, we saw it on the big screen and we might have to take it up to the match referee and see what actually happened there.”
Sarkar added another 12 runs to his score before getting out at 26, initiating the run-chase of 166 with a 68-run opening partnership. Bangladesh lost only two wickets and successfully chased the target in 18.1 overs.
“Every wicket holds significance”- Naveed Nawaz
Nawaz mentioned that securing an early wicket could have provided Sri Lanka with an ideal beginning.
“The footage that we have got on our screens were not enough to say anything but I am sure the TV umpire had evidence to overturn the decision. I mean it was a big issue and the first wicket and it could have given us a head start. Obviously on a track like this any wicket is crucial,” he said.
The series, currently tied at 1-1, will see its conclusion in Sylhet on Friday, March 8, during the third and final T20I.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
