Pakistan captain Shan Masood breaks silence over the controversial DRS decision in the SA vs PAK 2nd Test

Jan 7, 2025

No tags for this post.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood breaks silence over the controversial DRS decision in the SA vs PAK 2nd Test

Spread the love

The decision review system, popularly known as the DRS has been under the radar ever since its induction into the game for the first time in Test cricket in 2008. Another incident where DRS probably surprised a batter occurred during the 2nd Test match between South Africa and Pakistan, where a controversial decision not only led to a dismissal but probably also changed the outcome of the game.

Shan Masood’s perspective over the DRS dismissal

Shan Masood’s dismissal in the Cape Town Test match occurred as the visitors were inching their way back into the back after falling behind in the first innings. South Africa enforced a follow-on and Pakistan in their second innings got off to a solid start owing to a 205 run opening wicket partnership between Babar Azam and Masood.

On Day 4, Masood was a constant pillar of stability in the second innings amidst a steady fall of wickets from the other end. However, his impeccable innings of 145 runs ended as Kwena Maphaka bowled a low delivery aimed towards the Pakistani skippers’ pads. After the on-field rejected the lbw appeal, South African captain Temba Bavuma took a review which changed the course of the game. The ball tracking during the review showed the impact of the ball to be in line and the ball hitting the stumps. Thus, the on-field umpire was asked to reverse his decision leading to Masood’s dismissal. The Pakistani skipper was visibly frustrated with the decision as he went back to the pavilion with his team still 92 runs behind the South African first innings total.

After the match, Masood shared his disappointment with the decision during a post-match discussion. The Pakistani skipper remarked that he was ‘baffled’ at the decision of his dismissal. Without Masood, the Pakistani innings crashed from 329/5 to getting bowled out at 478, giving a target of just 61 runs to the home team which they managed to achieve without losing any wicket.

“It’s simple. It was an outswinger. If you see the ball that I was beaten by, it jagged away a long way. I was beaten on the outside edge, and it was shown as an inswinger. I was baffled by that to be very honest. With the naked eye, you could see it felt like it was outside the line as well.” Masood said in the post-match presentation.

Additionally, Masood said that it is now upon the administrators to see if it was a fair decision or not. However, according to Masood, the technology did not show the correct trajectory of the ball which took his wicket.

“It’s up to the administrators to see if that’s a fair decision or not, but I certainly felt that technology didn’t show the trajectory of how that ball was,” Masood concluded.

Also WATCH: Kagiso Rabada gives an aggressive send-off to Kamran Ghulam during SA vs PAK 2nd Test

South Africa consolidate their position in the WTC standings

South Africa’s emphatic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2nd Test has further solidified their near-invincible run in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With 8 wins, 3 draws, and just one loss in 12 matches, the Proteas remain at the top of the standings, showcasing their dominance in the longest format of the game. Their only defeat in this cycle came against India in January 2024 during the Freedom Trophy. South Africa’s comprehensive performances, marked by strong batting depth and a lethal bowling attack, have made them favorites heading into the final.

They are set to clash with Australia, who secured their berth by defeating India in the closely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Australia’s consistent performances and tactical prowess have set the stage for a thrilling final. The WTC final will be played in June at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, promising an epic showdown between two of the best Test sides in the world.