The second T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh which was played in Sylhet on March 6, 2024, saw a huge drama unfold as Bangladesh batsman Soumya Sarkar was adjudged not out by the TV umpire despite Ultra Edge showing a clear spike as the ball passed the bat.
The incident happened in the 4th over of the Bangladesh innings, bowled by Binura Fernando. Soumya Sarkar attempted to swing a back-of-the-length ball into the leg side but failed, with the ball going right through to the keeper. Umpire Gazi Sohail raised his finger promptly upon hearing a distinct noise over the stump mic.
Sarkar decided to opt for DRS rightaway and signalled to fellow opener Litton Das that he didn't think he had hit it.
The replays showed the ball passing near Sarkar's bat, then deviating to the leg side after passing the under edge of his bat. Ultra Edge displayed a spike as the ball crossed the bat, but the spike's position suggested that the ball had already passed by the time a noise was recorded.
TV umpire Masudur Rahman said: “I can see a spike but I can see a clear gap between bat and ball. I’m satisfied there is no bat involved.”
He advised Sohail to overturn his ‘out’ decision to ‘not out’. As the decision was relayed on the pitch, the Sri Lanka fielders were clearly frustrated with the decision.
Captain Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews gathered around both umpires, questioning the decision. The disturbance required several minutes to disperse before play could restart. Sarkar had walked to the perimeter of the playing area while the review was underway, but he returned once the decision was reached.
On the sidelines, Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood looked similarly displeased at the decision.
Here is the video:
