How Kieron Pollard forced umpire to change no-ball decision
What's the story
Windies all-rounder Kieron Pollard is one of the top players in Caribbean cricket. He is also the current captain of the side in the ongoing limited overs series against Afghanistan. And, he did something pretty bold during the third ODI, when he forced the umpire to change the no-ball decision. Here's how he managed to do so.
The incident
Pollard forces umpire to change no-ball to dead-ball
The incident happened during the 25th over when he pulled out off his delivery as soon as the umpire had called for the no-ball. However, since Pollard had pulled himself out of the run-up before delivering the ball, the umpire had no other choice, but to call off the no-ball decision, and instead, change it to a dead-ball.
Match report
How did the match pan out?
Winning the toss, Windies opted to bowl first citing dew concerns. Afghanistan batted decently to put up a par total of 249/7, as Asghar Afghan's 86, along with opener Hazratullah Zazai and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi's half-century each, helped them. Meanwhile, Windies wicket-keeper opener Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten century (109). He played the pivotal role in their clean sweep of the series.
Quote
We were just trying to be better: Rashid
"We were just trying to be better in each and every game. There were more positives from us in today's game and we had a chance to win the game as Asghar and Nabi really batted well, but we couldn't," said Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan.
Disasppointed
Rashid disappointed at loss, hails Hope's innings
Speaking further on the loss, while Rashid expressed his disappointment, he hailed Hope's innings, which was the turning point of the game. "Now, we have to focus on doing the right things and making the right decisions. T20 is all about enjoyment, and we have to keep enjoying, whether in batting, bowling or fielding. The results will take care of themselves," he added.
Next venture
Afghanistan take on Windies in three-match T20I series
Both the teams would lock horn in a three-match T20I series, starting Thursday, in Lucknow. Afghanistan squad: Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Javed Ahmadi, Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan(c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk), Naveen-ul-Haq, Sayed Shirzad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Windies squad: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Denesh Ramdin(wk), Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard(c), Jason Holder, Khary Pierre, Hayden Walsh Jr, Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell.