Mirpur: A controversial run out in the last over earned West Indies a place in the quarterfinals of the Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday as fast bowler Keemo Paul removed the bails at the bowler’s end with the batsman a fraction out of his ground.
The practice, known as a Mankad, is rare and widely seen as unsporting.
Traditionally, a bowler warns a batsman if he is leaving his crease too early, but Paul gave Zimbabwean batsman Richard Ngarava no warning, even though the batsman did not appear to be seeking an advantage.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann took to Twitter to condemn the West Indies tactic.
Unbelievable , Not out #U19CWC https://t.co/caofiOStQm
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) February 2, 2016
Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming too slammed the 'disgraceful behaviour'.
This is not a good look. absolutely disgraceful behaviour!! https://t.co/Jmj4DTGM0I
— Stephen Fleming (@SPFleming7) February 2, 2016
Zimbabwe needed only three runs in the 50th over for a place in the last eight but Paul broke the stumps without entering his delivery stride with last man Richard Ngarava standing a few steps outside his popping crease with his bat on the line.
My concern with the Mankad incident is that it doesn't set a precedent for Under 17s, Under 15s or Under 13s Cricketers! #MCCSpiritofCricket
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) February 3, 2016
Onfield umpires conferred before asking West Indies players whether they wanted to uphold the appeal against a decision which was within the rules of the game.
Mankad's always controversial. If batsman blatantly gaining ground , bowler within rights ..this latest seemed harsh on batsman IMO
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) February 2, 2016
Once West Indies players confirmed they wanted to go ahead with the appeal, the television umpire was consulted and Ngarava's bat was found to be just on the line.
Set up 4 a cracking finish. Gutted that it finished in that manner. Within the law not the spirit of cricket #mankad #U19CWC #FutureStars
— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) February 2, 2016
Zimbabwe captain Brandon Mavuta was in tears and said, "we got so close, no comment about it. I don't have anything to say right now."
Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo said he was happy with the way his side had fought in the match. "I am disappointed with the way the game ended. I have debriefed the boys in the dressing room and they were all crying," he said.
Disgraceful piece of mankad cheating by West Indies U19s -
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 2, 2016
shame on them all.pic.twitter.com/FqRbC0rPUn #U19CWC
"We have explained that technically the run-out is legal. We left it to the last man and we should not have done that. It was a hard lesson and they have learnt it the hard way."
The Mankad is named after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad, who created controversy when he dismissed Australian batsman Bill Brown in a similar manner at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1947.
Brief scores: West Indies 226/9 in 50 overs (S. Springer 61, R. Magarira 3/28) bt Zimbabwe 224 in 49 overs (S. Snyder 52, A. Keefe 43, A. Joseph 4/30).
