Bangladesh’s middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy believed that the leg before wicket (LBW) decision in the 17th over during the T20 World Cup 2024 match against South Africa could have changed the game in their favour.
Bangladesh needed 27 runs in four overs with Mahmudullah facing South Africa’s Ottneil Baartman. On the second ball of the over, the ball touched Mahmudullah’s pad and went for a four.
The umpire gave a LBW decision in favour of the Proteas but the Decision Review System (DRS) overturned it and the leg-bye four was not given as the ball was declared dead according to the laws of the match.
Bangladesh ended up losing the match by four runs and Hridoy, who scored 37 off 34, stated that the decision could have changed the outcome of the match.
"To be honest that was not a good call for us in such a tight match. In my point of view, the umpire gave the out but it was pretty hard on us. Those four runs could have changed the match scenario. But I don't have to say anything about that," Hridoy said at the press conference regarding the incident.
He was then asked if the laws should be changed so such runs can be claimed by the teams to which he replied that this is something not in his hands and the umpires are human and can make mistakes.
"The laws are not in my hands. In that time those four runs were really important. Umpires can make a call and they are human too and can make mistakes," he added.
"They also didn't give wides which were wides on a few occasions. In this kind of a 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 are room for improvements."
