IND vs NED: Mark Taylor Wants A Change In Free-hit Rule After Watching Massive Issue In India vs Pakistan Encounter

Some Pakistani supporters were devastated by their country’s four-wicket loss to India in the Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup 2022. Some of them were baffled by the umpires’ selections in the tense match’s last over.

The argument concerning Indian hitters receiving three byes in the last over has persisted despite being one of the game’s many pivotal moments. 

The ‘Dead Ball’ Issue In India vs Pakistan Clash

Spinner Mohammad Nawaz bowled the 20th over in India’s chase, and after delivering his fourth ball, he gave up a no-ball and a free hit. The free-hit remained because he subsequently bowled a wide.

India batsman Virat Kohli was bowled off the following delivery (still the fourth legal ball), and the ball ricocheted off the stumps and sped toward the open third-man position. Before the fielder could clear the ball, Dinesh Karthik and Virat Kohli took three bye runs.

However, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam was taken aback by India’s sprinting and requested an explanation from the umpire over the choice. 

The three byes were legitimately added to India’s tally in accordance with International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, although many people attributed Pakistan’s poor performance to the rule.

Mark Taylor Wants To Exclude Byes If Batter Is Dismissed On Free-hit

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor weighed in on the discussion, stating that the batting side shouldn’t gain an advantage from an event that would have often led to a dismissal. 

“I think if the ball hits the stumps you’re actually gaining an unfair advantage.

Firstly, in the situation like we saw on Sunday night, the ball can deflect anywhere, and secondly, if the fielding team is trying to run the batter out, the bails are already on the ground and you’ve got to remove the stump, so that’s harder as well,” Taylor said. 

“I think if the batter is bowled or caught off the free hit, you’re not out but the ball should then be dead, that would be fair and reasonable. You’ve got the advantage of not being out off a free hit, but you shouldn’t benefit a second time from what would normally be considered a dismissal.” 

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Points Table After England vs Ireland