ODI World Cup 2023: Umpiring errors in spotlight as Pakistan continue to recover after poor start

Pakistan's journey to recovery after the collapse was marred by two umpiring blunders. In the 14th over, only five deliveries were bowled, but both umpires, Adrian Holdstock and Chris Brown, mistakenly believed six balls had been bowled and didn't seek intervention from the TV umpire, Rod Tucker.

Eight overs later, another error occurred when Shakeel and Rizwan noticed an extra fielder outside the circle for the Netherlands. Fortunately, this time, the umpires corrected their mistake promptly, and no ball was called. The subsequent free hit was dispatched for a mighty six, adding some excitement to the game.

In a much-anticipated return to the World Cup stage after an absence of over a decade, the Netherlands made a dream start by winning the toss and opting to bowl first against Pakistan. Their decision paid off handsomely as they swiftly reduced Pakistan to a precarious 38-3 within the first 10 overs. The top three Pakistani batsmen were all back in the pavilion, and it seemed the Dutch had the upper hand.

However, cricket is a game of shifting fortunes, and Pakistan mounted a remarkable comeback. Mohammed Rizwan and Saud Shakeel took charge, steadying the ship and gradually wresting control back in favor of their team. By the 28th over, Pakistan had reached an impressive 158-3, with both middle-order batsmen notching up half-centuries in quick succession.

What does the law say about such mishaps in the game?

Amidst the action, the peculiar incident that unfolded during the 14th over. The umpires miscounted the number of valid balls bowled, but it went unnoticed as players had already shifted their focus to the 15th over. Also, the TV umpire, Rod Tucker didn’t feel the need to interfere. Law 17.5 unequivocally states, “If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.” The debate finds an end there. 

This isn't the first time such a counting error has occurred in this year's World Cup. In February, during a Pakistan-India women's T20 World Cup match, India received a seven-ball over, with the extra delivery ending up as a boundary.