Bangladesh lost to South Africa by four runs in a low-scoring thriller at New York.
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy vented out his frustration over the umpiring standards during their nervy four-run loss against South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 match at New York on Monday (June 10).
Hridoy mentioned a controversial call during the 17th over of Bangladesh's run chase, where a ball from Ottneil Baartman hit Mahmudullah's pad and went for four.
Mahmudullah was adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire, but the decision was overturned on review. Since the umpire had declared it out, the ball was considered dead, which denied Bangladesh crucial runs that could have changed the outcome of the match.
Addressed the media after the game, Hridoy said, "To be honest, that was not a good call for us in such a tight match. In my point of view, the umpire gave that out but it was pretty hard on us. Those four runs could have changed the match scenario."
Hridoy highlighted the significance of small margins in low-scoring games and called for improvements in umpiring standards, especially during key moments.
The 23-year-old also spoke about his own dismissal, where he was given out LBW on a delivery from Kagiso Rabada, despite replays suggesting the ball was only clipping the leg stump.
Reflecting on the close calls, Hridoy emphasized the importance of experienced batters finishing matches in tense situations.
"In this kind of venue where low-scoring matches are taking place, one or two runs are a big thing. I think those four runs or two wides are close calls and I was given out on umpire's call, and there is room for improvement," he remarked.
(With IANS Inputs)