Cricket ODI World Cup 2023

"I think it's disappointing to everyone" - Pakistan skipper Babar Azam comes up with his stance on debatable 'umpire's call' in ODI WC 2023 clash against South Africa

Babar Azam-led Pakistan are now on the brink of exit from the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 as they have only three matches left after four successive defeats and only two wins.

Mathew K

28 Oct 2023 11:28 IST

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Babar Azam with his team (File Photo, Twitter)

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam expressed his disappointment over the controversial ‘umpire’s call’ after a close one-wicket defeat against South Africa in a must-win game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27. It happened during the 46^th over of the match when Haris Rauf went on to hit the pads of Keshav Maharaj.

Subsequently, the Pakistan players appealed but the umpire didn’t declare it out and they opted for a DRS call. Later, the ball tracking displayed that the ball was kissing the leg stump but still the Proteas batter was given a ‘life’.

"It's part of the game. This is umpire's call so I think it's just part of the game. Had he given it out, it would have favoured us," said Babar Azam during the post-match presentation on being asked about the DRS call.

“I think it's disappointing everyone, we had the opportunity to win this match and stay in the tournament but we missed it. We will try our best in our next three matches and put in our effort so let's see where we stand after the three matches,” he added later.

“We fought back well but we were 10-15 runs short.” – Babar Azam

Furthermore, Babar Azam also spoke about Pakistan’s outing in the all-important clash against South Africa. He felt that the batters scored a few runs short which eventually resulted in a defeat.

“Very disappointing, we fought back well but we were 10-15 runs short. I think the way fast bowlers bowled, they did well but unfortunately, the result was not in our side." South Africa captain Temba Bavuma didn't mince words while pointing out that they need to address the issue of losing close games and was glad that they could win a tight contest,” he said.

“Pressure with us chasing, we haven't done well to rectify that. It will be easier to have those conversations, especially after the win. You need to have the guys in the best situations and truly speak out as to what they were thinking,” concluded Babar

ODI World Cup 2023 Featured Babar Azam Pakistan vs South Africa