Controversy Over Wide Decision Reversal in India-Japan T20 Match: What Are the Rules?
In a five-over T20 match between India and Japan, India secured a 2-run victory after a wide decision was reversed. With six runs needed off the final four balls, Japan’s Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempted a shot initially called wide by the umpire, leading to a decision reversal. India had scored 32 runs for 4 wickets in their five overs, and after Japan ended their innings at 30 runs, India recorded one of the lowest successful run chases in T20 cricket. The match took place on October 6 in Kathmandu.
During the crucial phase of the historic T20 international between India and Japan on Tuesday, the umpire’s wide call reversal sparked questions over India’s victory. Due to rain, the match was reduced to five overs, with Japan requiring 6 runs from the last four balls against India. While bowling, Axar Patel faced a reverse hit attempt from Japan’s Alexander Shirai-Patmore. The ball turned towards the leg side and was about to go outside the line. On-strike umpire Chris Thurgate initially declared it a wide as it did not make contact with the bat.
Following this, bowler Axar Patel and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson expressed dissatisfaction, while Indian captain Shreyas Iyer engaged in discussion with leg umpire Chris Brown. After the players showed their concerns, the two umpires consulted and overturned the wide decision. Thurgate rescinded his initial call, which meant Japan then needed 6 runs off 4 balls, recalculated to 7 runs off 3 balls. Japan was unable to reach the required runs in the remaining deliveries, resulting in a 2-run victory for India.
According to cricket law 2.12, umpires may alter their decisions until the next ball is bowled, making the reversal of the wide call legitimate within the rules. The main point of contention is whether a ball played with a reverse hit should be considered a wide. ICC guidelines on wides state that when the batter plays a reverse or switch hit, both sides of the wicket are considered offside. In such cases, the ball must travel at least 75 centimeters outside the outer stump to be called wide. Shirai-Patmore’s change of stance did not affect the decision based on this rule. Both reverse and switch hits are governed by the same regulation. Since the match had no television umpire or DRS system, the umpires on the field consulted each other to correct the call.
