The Indian cricket team continued their winning streak in the ODI format as they defeated New Zealand by 12 runs in the first ODI match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Opener Shubman Gill smashed a stunning double century, scoring 208 runs off 149 balls (208 off 149 balls) while captain Rohit Sharma (34 off 38 balls), Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 26 balls), and Hardik Pandya ( 28 off 38 balls) played crucial cameos to help India post a target of 349/8 in 50 overs. In reply, the visitors fell short of 12 runs to chase the target. Michael Bracewell played a gritty knock to help New Zealand make a comeback but the side got bundled out at 337 runs in 49.2 overs.
While the game turned out to be a thriller, however, a controversy erupted after all-rounder Hardik Pandya came in to bat. He stitched a crucial 74-run partnership with Gill. However, he got dismissed in a controversial manner.
The incident took place during the 40th over of the Indian innings when Hardik was facing Daryl Mitchell. Pandya was looking for a room when he tried to cut the ball which went to the gloves of wicketkeeper Tom Latham.
While fans were convinced that the New Zealand captain had a role to play in Hardik Pandya’s dismissal, however, the third umpire opted to give his verdict against the Indian batter. The 3rd umpire was satisfied with having no conclusive evidence that Lathan was involved, therefore, Pandya was given out. Hardik was left disappointed following his stunning dismissal in the 40th over.
Meanwhile, fans on social media were left disappointed with the controversial dismissal of Pandya. Pandya’s wife Natasa Stankovic also took to her social media to express her disappointment. She shared pictures from the incident and wrote:
” There was no bat involved, wasn’t bowled out. So how’s this out?”
Check out her story:
