New Delhi:
The Big Bash League clash between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers witnessed a high-scoring encounter. Sydney Sixers were boosted by aggressive knocks from Daniel Hughes (36) and Moises Henriques (38) as they reached 177/5. In response, Cameron Bancroft, making his comeback after serving a nine-month ban due to the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, blasted an unbeaten 87 and shared a 98-run stand with Ashton Turner (60) to help the Scorchers achieve a seven-wicket win with seven balls to spare. However, the match was overshadowed by a moment of controversy during the Perth Scorchers’ chase and it involved Michael Klinger. The incident became a big talking point and it involved the umpires.
The incident took place in the second over of the Scorchers’ chase and Michael Klinger was the batsman. Ben Dwarshuis, a left-arm pace bowler, was bowling and after bowling a dot-ball to Bancroft, he conceded a leg bye and two byes in the next two balls. On the fourth ball, Klinger got a single to backward square leg. Bancroft was on strike for the next two balls as he pulled a couple to deep midwicket and a single to long leg. The umpires should have called the end of the over but Dwarshius was allowed to bowl. On the seventh ball, Klinger (2) upper-cut a short ball and was caught by Steve O’Keefe at third man.
The dismissal on the seventh ball of the over resulted in plenty of controversy, with several fans pointing out the poor umpiring standards. Scorchers coach Adam Voges said the controversy was "not ideal". "Obviously it's the umpires' jobs to count the number of balls in an over," he said. Cricket Australia said the incident would be "followed up".
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"It appears there was a miscount of balls in the over, and a seventh ball was allowed by the umpires," a spokesperson said on the official website. "As the ball was bowled, it is deemed live and consequently the decision stands. The incident will be followed up in Cricket Australia's general match review process and feedback will of course be taken on board."
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Perth Scorchers registered their second consecutive win but they still remain in last position. Sydney Sixers, despite the loss, are still in third position. Hobart Hurricanes remain on top spot while Sydney Thunder are in second position. Adelaide Strikers, the defending champions, are in fourth spot.
