DRS Drama in BAN vs SL 2nd T20I Adds To A List Of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Controversies

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At a time when Decision Review System (DRS) has been part of debate with respect to umpires call and hawkeye's tracking errors, a drama unfolded during the second T20I between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, adding to a list of controversies between the two sides.

Bangladesh won the match, chasing down 166 with 8 wickets and 10 balls to spare at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (March 6). However, an incident during the run chase triggered a big debate in the cricketing circles.

A controversial decision was made by the third umpire during Bangladesh's run chase in Sylhet, where Soumya Sarkar, who had been adjudged out for nicking one off Binura Fernando, successfully overturned the decision despite the replays saying otherwise.

The on-field umpire had judged a caught-behind call in favour of the bowling side, but the batter Sarkar decided to use DRS. And after a lengthy review, the TV umpire's decision was mind boggling.

Despite the on field call being out and the replays showing a spike in ultra edge, the third umpire gave the decision in favour of the batting team, leaving Sri Lanka players in shock and forcing them to argue with the on-field official.

Sarkar remained not out and added to his tally despite the Sri Lankan players protest. Sri Lanka's assistant coach, Naveed Nawaz, suggested that the team would take up the matter with the match referee to seek clarity.

"The on-field umpire had given him out and I am sure the TV umpire got to have conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field umpire's decision," said Nawaz.

"We haven't seen the footage or anything like that but it was clear that there was a spike, we saw it on the big screen and we might have to take it up to the match referee and see what actually happened there. The footage that we have got on our screens were not enough to say anything but I am sure the TV umpire had evidence to overturn the decision."

Sarkar in fact was seen heading back to the pavillion after witnessing the spike on the big screen as the ball passed his bat, but was delighted to see the eventual decision coming in his favour. Sri Lanka feel a wicket in the third over may have changed the result of the match.

"I mean it was big issue and the first wicket and it could have given us a head start. Obviously, on a track like this any wicket is crucial," Naveed further said.

This happens to be one of the many controversies when these two teams have met in the cricket field. Last year, during the ODI World Cup 2023, Angelo Matthews created history by becoming the first player to be dismissed timed out in the show-piece event.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan rejected to withdraw his appeal, triggering another debate, while the incident spilled into the second innings when Bangladesh came out to bat and beat their Asian rivals.

Coming back to the ongoing T20I series, Bangladesh levelled the series 1-1 after winning the second T20I, responding to a 3-run win by Sri Lanka in the opening match on Monday (March 4).