'Another blunder': Sarfaraz Ahmed's stumping dismissal sparks huge debate during PAK vs NZ 2nd Test
Netizens have slammed match umpire Ahsan Raza after former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed in a controversial manner during the second Test against New Zealand in Karachi.
Were Sarfaraz Ahmed's spikes on the ground? Did the former Pakistan skipper become a victim of umpiring blunder? The controversial dismissal of the wicketkeeper-batter has sparked a huge debate among the fans and followers of the game on Twitter. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Ahmed received his marching orders after the third umpire made a tough call and observed that the batter's shoe was not inside the crease.
It all happened in the 100th over of Pakistan's innings when Tom Blundell completed the successful stumping of the wicketkeeper-batter. Daryl Mitchell, who came close to removing Sarfaraz off the first ball, was eventually rewarded with the crucial wicket by Blundell in the same over. The New Zealand wicketkeeper stumped Sarfaraz after a brilliant take down the legside.
Taking cognizance of the replays, third umpire Ahsan Raza was convinced that Sarfaraz's heel was not on the floor when Blundell removed the bails. However, a majority of Pakistani fans have slammed the TV umpire after the controversial stumping verdict. Sharing their views on Twitter, netizens lashed out at the third umpire after Sarfaraz didn't get the benefit of the doubt during the 2nd Test of the bilateral series between New Zealand and hosts Pakistan.
"In what world is that a fair stumping. Foot was firmly planted. Atrocious decision by third umpire Ahsan Raza. Has effectively robbed Sarfaraz Ahmed of a Test hundred. Pathetic umpiring," a fan said in his tweet. "Ahsan Raza, this isn't done bro! How can you take two hours to decide and not give benefit of doubt to the batter? Sarfaraz Ahmed was clearly not amused," another Twitter user added.
Talking about the match, former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz played a gritty knock of 78 off 109 balls on Day 3 of the 2nd Test match at the Karachi National Stadium. While former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz scored a crucial half-century, star batter Saud Shakeel slammed a match-changing century to help Pakistan post 407-9 in 132 overs.