Web desk: Pakistan captain Shan Masood has voiced his frustration over a contentious LBW decision during the fourth and final day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The decision, which came via ball-tracking technology, left Masood “baffled” as he questioned whether Hawkeye accurately reflected the trajectory of the delivery from South African pacer Kwena Maphaka.
Masood, who had been in sublime form with a gritty 145 in Pakistan’s second innings, was initially ruled not out by on-field umpire Nitin Menon. However, the decision was overturned on review when Hawkeye suggested the ball was hitting the off stump.
Sharing his thoughts after the match, Masood expressed skepticism over the technology. “It was an outswinger,” he explained. “If you watch the delivery, it jagged away significantly. I was beaten on the outside edge, but Hawkeye portrayed it as an inswinger. Honestly, I was baffled.”
The delivery in question was a length ball from Maphaka, which straightened after pitching and struck Masood on the back pad as he attempted a defensive shot. Despite Masood’s belief that the ball’s movement would save him, Hawkeye showed it hitting in line and going on to strike the stumps.
Masood remained visibly displeased, standing at the crease for several moments and gesturing in disagreement before reluctantly walking off. On his way to the pavilion, he continued to demonstrate the ball’s outward movement with his hands, clearly illustrating his disbelief.
Speaking about the incident, Masood remarked, “With the naked eye, it seemed outside the line. That wasn’t an inswinger; I was beaten by an outswinger, and even the on-field umpire agreed. That’s all I can say.”
Masood emphasized his hope that cricket administrators would review such situations closely, suggesting that the technology may not have captured the ball’s true trajectory.
Interestingly, Pakistan had benefited from a similar situation earlier in the day. Saud Shakeel was struck on the pads off another delivery from Maphaka, with Menon ruling it not out. This time, South Africa opted not to review, though Hawkeye later suggested the ball would have clipped the leg stump.
The incident has reignited discussions about the reliability of ball-tracking technology, with Masood’s comments adding fuel to the debate. “It’s up to the administrators to decide whether that was a fair decision, but I felt the technology didn’t show the true trajectory,” he concluded.
The match, however, will be remembered for Masood’s valiant innings, which spanned over six hours and showcased his resilience, despite the contentious ending.
