ICC accepts 'error' in Rassie Van der Dussen's controversial DRS call but says right call was made

Significant social media controversy followed Rassie van der Dussen's LBW dismissal during a World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan in Chennai. In response, the International Cricket Council (ICC) provided clarity. Umpire Paul Reiffel made the on-field call during this event, which happened in the 19th over of South Africa's chase. Usama Mir, the leg-spinner for Pakistan, produced the flatter ball. Misjudging the trajectory, Reiffel hit Van van Dussen in the pads and declared him out even though, at first glance, it looked like the ball may have gone over the stumps. Van der Dussen responded by deciding to make use of the Decision Review System (DRS), which led to further misunderstanding.

3 things you need to know

• During Pakistan’s innings, they made 270 in 46.4 overs (all-out)
• South Africa made 271/9 in 47.2 overs 
• South Africa won the match by 1 wickets with 16 balls left

Also Read: CWC 2023: Mickey Arthur rues missed opportunities

What happened during the SA vs PAK match?

Tracking technology on the ball first showed that it was going to go wide of the leg stump. However, there was a brief halt in this tracking stream, and then a new tracking display appeared. In the second incident, it was clear that the ball had made contact with the stump. Both analyses confirmed that the ball was pitched straight on, with the impact being ruled a 'umpire's call,' although they did so using different projections for the ball's final trajectory. It is unusual for DRS replays to show conflicting ball-tracking conclusions, but in this case, the second one was finally allowed. Due to van der Dussen's earlier on-field ejection, the third umpire had no justification to overturn the dual 'umpire's call' ruling on DRS.

As one can expect, the verdict greatly depressed van der Dussen. After scoring 21 runs, he stomped irritably back to the locker room. Since South Africa was making steady progress towards their target of 21 runs, this development was a major turning point in the game. As a result of van der Dussen's departure, Pakistan had a chance to retake the initiative, and they made the most of it by snatching a crucial wicket, that of Heinrich Klaasen (12).

Also Read: How can Pakistan qualify for World Cup semis?

ICC response: Significant uproar following Rassie van der Dussen's LBW DRS's quick U-turn

Immediately following van der Dussen's ejection, screenshots of the two different ball-tracking replays went viral online. Disappointed spectators questioned the decision and demanded an explanation from the broadcasters and the ICC. The governing body of international cricket quickly replied, saying that the graphic shown during the LBW appeal against van der Dussen had been shown in mistake. They did, however, stress that the proper one was provided later on, and the right choice was made as a consequence. ICC spokesperson said:

“In today's match between South Africa and Pakistan, an incomplete graphic was erroneously displayed during the LBW review of Rassie van der Dussen. The completed graphic with the right details was ultimately displayed.”

Throughout the game, DRS came under scrutiny on multiple occasions. The final ball of the 46th over saw Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf trap Tabraiz Shamsi, the final batter for South Africa, in front of the stumps. However, umpire Alax Wharf determined it was not out because he believed it was going down leg. Pakistan went for a review right away.

Replays revealed that the ball was pitched and hit in line, but because Haris was bowling from outside the crease, the ball would have entered the field at an angle and clipped the stumps rather than smashing into them. The moment 'umpire's call' appeared on the large screen, the Pakistani players became extremely upset. Being the final South African pair, it not only cost them a wicket but also the game.