THE Indian Premier League was mired in controversy on Sunday night after an horrific umpire blunder cost Kings XI Punjab a thrilling win over Delhi Capitals.
The Capitals crashed 157 from their 20 overs to set a solid target for Kings XI to chase.
With just ten balls remaining, Kings XI required 21 runs to win with Mayank Agarwal and Chris Jordan at the crease.
Agarwal chipped the ball down to long-on with he and England star Jordan scampering a quick two.
However, square-leg umpire Nitin Menon deemed Jordan to have failed to complete the first run, with Kings XI awarded just a single.
Replays quickly proved the wrong decision had been made, with Jordan’s bat clearly making its ground.
Worse yet, pictures clearly showed Menin was NOT standing in line with the crease, suggesting he didn’t have a good enough view to make the call.
It quickly seemed the appalling blunder would not prove costly, as Agarwal battered three quick boundaries.
With three balls to go, the scores were tied.
Bowler Marcus Stoinis then fired down a dot ball, followed by two wickets – resulting in the match going to a Super Over.
Kings XI failed to send in-form Agarwal out in a decision which ultimately proved to be the wrong decision, as Delhi ground out a nervy win.
After the game, cricketing stars erupted in fury at the umpiring decision which saw Agarwal and Jordan penalised a run.
India legend Virender Sehwag ranted: “I don’t agree with the Man of the Match choice…
“The umpire who gave this short run should have been Man of the Match.
“Short Run… that was the difference.”
Australia assistant coach Trent Woodhill simply added: “Use the technology available. Poor.”
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris provided some context, claiming: “Terrible ‘one short’ decision in tonight’s @IPL game.
“However if you need 1 run off the last 2 balls and don’t win… you only have yourself to blame.”
Earlier in the game, Stoinis – who bowled the incredible final over of the Kings XI innings – also starred with the bat in his side’s win.
The Aussie blasted an IPL record-equalling 30 runs from the final over to boost his side’s total from a sub-par 127 to solid 157.
