'No-ball' the turning point
It was the controversial no-ball decision from umpire Tanvir Ahmed during the Tigers' innings and the chaos surrounding the decision that turned out to be the turning point for Bangladesh's series defeat against the West Indies in the series-deciding third T20I yesterday, claimed Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes.
Bangladesh seemed well on course on 62 for one inside four overs chasing the tall ask of 191 runs when things took an unwanted turn.
The incident took place on the last ball of the fourth over from Oshane Thomas, called no-ball by umpire Tanvir Ahmed, which Liton could only loop to mid-off. But soon it became clear that the umpire was wrong when the giant screen showed that the bowler's front was just behind the line, much to the frustration of the West Indies cricketers.
Once the game resumed after nearly eight minutes' interruption, Bangladesh never found the rhythm again, losing wickets in a flurry before eventually being bundled out for 140 with three overs to spare.
"I think if you look at the game and how it went where West Indies were off to a flier, they had the momentum and the way we wrestled back was unbelievable to start our innings with a momentum. But the delay definitely had a shift where I tried to calm our players to send the message that we are in a good position here and just make sure we remained focus and carry on normally. Even the message went out was cricket is such a game where opposite happens when we lost wickets continuously,” Rhodes told reporters after the defeat.
West Indies skipper Carlos Brathwaite was of a completely different opinion though. Despite the series win, the all-rounder pointed out that most of the 50-50 decisions right from the ODI series went against his side.
“I was here from the ODI series fortunately where any 50-50 decision went in favour of Bangladesh. I won't give accusation of cheating because they are professional and they won't do anything intentionally biased, so I did not accuse them of cheating. However, I made my point clear to the match referee and said that every 50-50 decision right from the ODI series went against us. Being the captain I take the responsibility in the field and I asked my players to remain calm and together. Obviously it was hostile but I was respectful and asked what the rule is. And I asked for the common sense review,” Brathwaite said.