'Terrible, shameful' - Fans tear apart third umpire for upholding controversial decision to send off Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan and New Zealand are facing off in the second Test that kicked off on January 2, Monday and fans are already witnessing match-ups working out in the game. While the Kiwis managed to put on 449 runs on the board at the end of the first innings, Pakistan, on the other hand, gave a tough fight with the bat and on Day 3, Wednesday, the likes of Saud Shakeel and veteran Sarfaraz Ahmed stood up for the team. 

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However, much to the surprise of the Pakistani fans, Sarfaraz was sent back, but only after a controversial decision that saw the fans erupt on social media claiming that it was never out in the first case. To add more, facing the delivery of Daryl Mitchell when the team were reeling at 332/4, a decision on stumping was sent to the third umpire. 

Sarfaraz’s backfoot was seen slightly above the ground, although it did look like some part of his boot was touching the ground. However, contrary to the usual third umpire’s thumb rule of giving the benefit to the batter, Sarfaraz was rather given out and the batter walked out in hesitation. 

Watch Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal here: 

😯pic.twitter.com/JhT7ArumLe

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 4, 2023

Fans slam third umpire on social media as Pakistan veteran’s rampage comes to an end midway

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It was Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Tom Bundell and Matt Henry who stood up for the Black Caps against the fiery Pakistani pace attack in their first innings with their 71, 122, 51 and 68 runs respectively. Much to the stupefaction of the Pakistani fans, the 150-run stand between the veteran wicketkeeper and Shakeel saw the Pakistani team bounce back in their first innings. 

The Babar Azam-led team would look to bounce back and make a comeback in the format, given that the team faced a lot of criticism post losing to England 0-3 in the recently concluded Test series. New Zealand, on the other hand, would look to win the match and make a comeback in their second innings. 

As things stand, let us take a look at a few Twitter reactions to Sarfaraz Ahmed’s controversial wicket: 

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Ahsan Raza Pagal o gya ha

— Jiya Ali (@JiyaAli31027225) January 4, 2023

Out Hi Hy..

— Owais Ahmed Kumbhar (@kumbhar_owais) January 4, 2023

Everytime Pakistani Umpires want to give favour to opposition. Don't know what the logic behind them

— Ali Raza (@alilibraraza) January 4, 2023

Kitna RR krega bhai 2 paise ka journo

— Shubham (@shubham8bp) January 4, 2023

As a New Zealand fan, there is no way this can be given out....terrible umpiring.

— Nivory 🇳🇿 (@Nivory_) January 4, 2023

It was clearly out

— Hayden (@i8keath) January 4, 2023