The WBBL|03 got off to a brilliant start on Saturday with Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades taking the match right to the wire.
After Thunder posted a mammoth total of 200 runs in their 20 overs, Melbourne gave them a run for their money in the second innings by coming agonizingly close.
Had Renegades’ Jese Duffin been not sent to the pavilion controversially in the 17 over, the outcome might have been different.
The hard-hitter was in supreme touch and smashed 12 fours and a six before she attempted a cheeky reverse sweep that went to Thunder’s Lisa Griffith at the short third man, who claimed the catch.
Duffin was at 81 runs from 47 balls and with the Renegades standing at 173 runs with three overs to go, Thunder’s total looked easily gettable. The umpires went upstairs for confirmation as they didn’t want to take any risk with the game at such a crucial point.
However, the video reviews from various angles suggested that the ball had touched the turf. The fielders were sure that the decision would go to Duffin’s favour and were preparing to resume the innings before the third umpire adjudged her out.
Commentators and players on the field were left stunned by the decision and lately, the game went on to the last ball where Renegades eventually fell 11 runs short.
Here’s the video:
Duffin dudded in third umpire catch controversy https://t.co/iJZVlM94OH
— Cricket-atti (@cricketatti) December 9, 2017
