Asia Cup 2018, Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan
Saeed Ajmal (Credits - AP)

Saeed Ajmal, former Pakistan spinner, was at the height of his powers during the 2011 World Cup. And, coming into the all-important semi-final against arch-rivals India, the right-arm off-spinner was tipped as one of the biggest threats that the home side had to counter. Ajmal started off brilliantly and very nearly dismissed Sachin Tendulkar leg-before-wicket.

Sachin Tendulkar was on 23 when he trapped right in front of wicket. On naked eye, it looked as dead as it can possibly get and on-field umpire Ian Gould had no hesitation in giving Tendulkar out. Ajmal and the Pakistani team were rightly ecstatic but their happiness was short-lived as the Master Blaster opted for the review and the television replay- much to the surprise of everyone- showed that the ball was going down leg.

Saeed Ajmal Still Baffled By Third Umpires Decision That Reprieved Sachin Tendulkar During The 2011 World Cup Semi-Final
Saeed Ajmal and Sachin Tendulkar (Photo-TOI)

Nine years have passed since that incident and it seems Saeed Ajmal has still not gotten over it. Recalling the incident Ajmal said-

“It was straight in front and I was 100 percent sure he was out. Shahid Afridi, Kamran, Wahab and other players asked me was he (Tendulkar) out and I told them he is gone.” Saeed Ajmal recounted.

He added: “I never got a chance to bowl to him in a Test so whenever I played against him in white ball cricket I always wanted to do my best,”

Also Read: Would Still Give Sachin Tendulkar Out LBW In 2011 WC Semifinal: Ian Gould

Third Umpire’s decision baffled me- Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal Still Baffled By Third Umpires Decision That Reprieved Sachin Tendulkar During The 2011 World Cup Semi-Final
Sachin Tendulkar after Third Umpire reversed the decision (Photo-Getty)

Sachin Tendulkar went on to score what turned out to be a match-winning 85 but it wasn’t that he didn’t offer chances to the Pakistanis post that LBW reprieve. Tendulkar offered as many as 4-5 catches to the Pakistani fielders, none of which were taken. Ajmal said that the third umpire’s decision still baffles him and his disappointment is accentuated by the fact that Tendulkar’s 85 proved to be the difference in the end.

“More disappointing was that we lost the semifinal and it is obvious that Tendulkar’s 85 runs made all the difference. Even today, the third umpire’s decision baffles me. Maybe luck was with him that day and he went on play such a crucial innings for his team,” said Ajmal.

Chasing 260 to win, Pakistan could only manage 231 to hand India a place in the World Cup final against Sri Lanka; a game the Men in Blue won by six wickets to finally realize the nation’s 28-year dream of becoming world champions.

Also Read: Saeed Ajmal Recounts An Incident Where He Broke His Phone Into Pieces Following Umar Akmal’s Statement