The West Indies Under-19 team has been labelled “absolutely disgraceful” after a controversial Mankad secured a narrow two-run victory over Zimbabwe in the ICC U19 World Cup.
Zimbabwe needed three runs to win with just one wicket remaining when fast-bowler Keemo Paul instead of starting his delivery stride as he ran past the wicket, he quickly removed the bails with the ball in his right hand and appealed for a run out.
The umpires conferred and asked the West Indies if they wanted to withdraw the appeal, which they declined to do, so the officials referred the decision to the third umpire. The TV official reviewed the footage and correctly ruled that Ngarava was just out of his ground when the bails were removed.
Zimbabwe captain Brandon Mavuta was visibly upset after the match but refused to comment on the incident: “We got so close, no comment about it. I don’t have anything to say right now. No comment.”
The incident drew immediate and heavy criticism from some of the biggest names in the sport, with Australia coach Darren Lehmann and New Zealand legend Stephen Fleming quick to tweet their disapproval.
Former West Indies fast-bowler Ian Bishop, said, “We’ve to leave the emotions aside,” he said. It’s in the law books, so we’ve to not get carried away.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was among those critical of West Indies bowler Keemo Paul for mankad dismissal.
