IND vs PAK 2022: "No-ball given just because Virat Kohli demanded" - Pakistan fans cry foul over controversial call in MCG cliffhanger
The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 match at the MCG on Sunday, October 23 was expected to be a close one. It ended up being an absolute thriller as the Men in Blue chased down 160 courtesy a brilliant innings by Virat Kohli (82* off 53 balls). However, the end of the game was marred by a couple of controversial moments that took some sheen off the match.
India needed 16 runs off the last over. The fourth delivery of the over, bowled by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, was a high full-toss. Kohli hammered it for a six and then raised questions about the height of the ball.
The square leg umpire called it a no-ball on height, much to the shock of the Pakistan team. The decision was debatable as it was made without having a look at the replays, which pointed out that it was an extremely tight one. It could have gone either way if the call had gone upstairs.
That was not all. Kohli was bowled off the free-hit delivery, but managed to run three byes as the ball ricocheted after hitting the stumps. Many felt it should have been a dead ball.
While India went on to win the match off the last ball courtesy of a lofted hit from Ravichandran Ashwin, many Pakistan fans on Twitter protested the two decisions, especially the no-ball call. Here are some reactions from social media.
Why was no ball not reviewed, then how can it not be a dead ball when Kohli was bowled on a free hit. #INDvPAK #T20worldcup22 https://t.co/ZCti75oEbd
a foot outside the crease, never a no ball. absolute disgrace.
#T20WorldCup | #INDvPAK https://t.co/rk5BxkusnQ
Great fight Pakistan! Well Played India & Virat Kohli!
BTW wo no ball nahi thi ...
#PakVsInd
THAT WAS NOT A NO BALL.
THOSE 3 RUNS AFTER KOHLI WAS BOWLED SHOULDNT BE COUNTED.
WE HAVE BEEN ROBBED.
Should not have lost this match, this will hurt for long long time. Kohli absolute brilliant but eventually felt we’re robbed with that no ball call but even then we should have won, congratulations India
Well played Pakistan. That no ball decision was touch and go. You were terrific sports. And Virat Kohli's innings redemption is a story we will all tell our grandchildren.
Well played Pakistan. Congrats to the Indian team.
But that was not a no ball. Let's not decide matches this way.
It wasn't a no ball, umpires are so biased. This is so unfair
HOW WAS THAT A NO BALL https://t.co/m2Ag7FOcId
No ball given by umpire when Batsman asked from an umpire. 🙃🙂 #IndvPak https://t.co/xAbLD1z4pC
We did not lose, we got robbed.
It was not a no ball, how there can be byes on a freehit after getting bowled.
Kohli pressured the umpire into giving a no ball. This is some high level bullshit.
In new world of crime this is a no ball https://t.co/3J449ctUda
Claimed a catch that had clearly bounced, no ball called on a shot that was played outside of the crease and 3 runs on a bowled. Hard work to snatch the win, but proud of the boys. Onwards and upwards 🇵🇰
No ball given just because Virat Kohli demanded. There was no review 👎
#PAKvIND https://t.co/Lu5wYOQs6x
hang your heads in shame @ICC. absolute shambles, giving a no ball just because the batsman demanded it.
This wasn't a No ball. That's it!! https://t.co/yL0IIXOYI8
Kohli lifts India to sensational win over Pakistan
Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan recovered from a poor start to post a competitive 159/8. In response, India crumbled to 31 for 4. However, a fifth-wicket stand of 113 between Kohli and Hardik Pandya (40 off 37) gave India hope.
Kohli played some sensational shots towards the end to lift the Men in Blue to a famous win. He ended up striking six fours and four sixes in his game-changing performance.
Pakistan fans, though, claimed their team got robbed due to poor umpiring.