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LEADING names from the world of cricket have condemned the West Indies Udner-19 team’s decision to ‘Mankad’ their way into the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The West Indies qualified for the knockout stage after defeating Zimbabwe by two runs yesterday in hugely controversial circumstances at Chittagong.
Needing 227 to win. Zimbabwe began the 50th over on 224-9 but, as he ran in to deliver the first ball, West Indies seamer Keemo Paul flicked off the bails at the bowler’s end in an attempt to run out (or ‘mankad’) the non-striker.
Having confirmed that West Indies captain Shimron Hetmyer wanted to appeal, the umpires referred the decision to the third umpire and TV replays showed that Richard Ngarava’s bat was just inches out of the crease.
The West Indies celebrated jubilantly when the decision was given but the Zimbabweans were upset and the dismissal has ignited a debate about whether Paul’s actions were within the spirit of cricket.
Hetmyer said: “Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. We’ve seen this in cricket before. It’s probably not in the spirit of the game but we’re happy to have won.
“Joseph is the leader of the attack, and he stood up for us today. I’m proud of him.”
But Zimbabwe skipper Brandon Mavuta was visibly upset after the match, although he said he had “no comment” on the final decision.
And Zimbabwe manager Admire Marodza said: “It’s too early to comment but we’re trying to get emotions under control in the dressing room. Everyone is disappointed at the loss.
“Rules are rules, we can’t change them and we can’t change what happened. A run-out is a run-out. I don’t think it is anything to protest about.”
Reaction on Twitter was generally critical of the West Indies, England one-day captain Eoin Morgan writing: “Disgraceful behaviour in the U19CWC. WI’s should be embarrassed!!”
And England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler said: “Can’t believe what I’ve just seen! Embarrassing!”
Former Zimbabwe star Brendan Taylor added: “Disgraceful! Just remember this great game has a funny way in biting you in the back side.”
However, other players pointed out that West Indies had acted entirely within the rules.
Surrey and England man Stuart Meaker asked: “Why bring in a law that allows it and then say it’s not in the spirit? Isn’t it poor sportsmanship that he’s stealing a run?”
Former England head coach Peter Moores told Sky Sports News HQ: “I don’t think you can blame the bowler or the batter. You can blame the batter because he left the crease but the bowler has played to the rules. I’m not sure on the rule regarding whether you’ve to warn the batsman but for me that’s a big part of it.
“If somebody is creeping too far and it’s getting very tight, the bowler is within his rights to say: ‘Listen, if you keep going like that, I’m going to ‘Mankad’. If you just do it, yes, it’s within the law I think, but it seems a bit tough.” — Skysports