The role of a third umpire came under the scanner in the third T20I between Pakistan and South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The third umpire took incredibly long to dish out the final decision after a mix-up between Pakistan batsmen Shoaib Malik and Hussain Talat, which eventually resulted into a run-out. Meanwhile, it appeared as if Malik already knew he was out but he too had to wait for the final decision.
The incident happened in the 12th over of the Pakistan innings when Malik flicked the ball from spinner Tabraiz Shamsi straight to Andile Phehlukwayo on the leg side. He was quick to run for a single but never looked sure about the call as Talat eventually had to run in the same direction to save himself from getting dismissed. In the process, both the batsmen ended up running in the same direction trying to outrun each other but it was Malik who fell short at the end.
However, the two batsmen appeared almost on an equal distance from the end where Quinton de Kock effected the dismissal, which in turn left the umpire confused as he had to take help of a number of replays before adjudging Malik out. The Pakistan captain was dismissed after scoring 18 runs off 16 balls.
However, Malik’s unfortunate dismissal didn’t cost Pakistan big as the visitors went on to win the game by 27 runs to register first win in the three-match series. Batting first, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 168/9 runs in 20 overs before restricting the hosts on 141/9 in twenty overs to end the series on a winning note.
Despite the best efforts from Chris Morris (55) and Rassie van der Dussen (41), Pakistani bowlers reigned supreme to take their side to a win. Mohammad Amir was the chief destructor with the ball as he finished with figures of 27/3 in his quota of 4 overs.