INDvPAK: Simon Taufel explains why match officials made the 'right decision'

Can a hitter score runs after being bowled on a free hit? Why was Team India allowed three byes after Virat Kohli was cleaned up on a free hit? After India's stunning triumph against Pakistan at the ICC World T20 2022 on Sunday, former Australian umpire Simon Taufel delivered his decision to resolve the never-ending argument regarding the dead-ball dispute. In their T20 World Cup opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India won by four wickets thanks to Kohli's magnificent effort (MCG).

Former umpire Taufel disclosed on social media that he was asked about one game-changing delivery in which Kohli managed to sneak three runs after being out on a free hit. “After the exciting climax to the India v Pakistan match at the MCG last night, I've been asked by many to explain the Byes that India scored after Kohli was bowled off the free hit,” Taufel wrote.

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The former Australian umpire revealed the ICC's playing condition and explained why match umpires made the 'right decision' in his conclusion on the dead-ball dispute. “The umpire made the right decision in signaling Byes after the batters ran three following the ball hitting the stumps and rolling down to 3rd man. For a free hit, the striker cannot be out bowled, and therefore the ball is NOT dead on hitting the stumps - the ball is still in play, and all conditions under the Laws for Byes are satisfied,” he maintained.

Tasked with completing India's impressive run chase, batting legend Kohli smashed a stunning six off Pakistan bowler Mohammad Nawaz on the fourth ball of the final over. Pakistan captain Babar was stunned after umpire Rod Tucker signaled a no-ball, but square leg umpire Marais Erasmus remained silent.

In an unexpected change of events, Kohli was bowled on a free hit after Nawaz conceded one run by delivering a wide. After being bowled, Kohli still managed to sneak three runs with Dinesh Karthik, sparking a heated debate among Pakistani players and match officials. Despite the complaints, India was allowed three runs, paving the path for Kohli's team to record a stunning win over Pakistan in the final-over thriller at the MCG.

Ravichandran Ashwin hit the winning run for India, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 off 53 balls as India defeated their traditional opponents by four wickets. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli was also selected Player of the Match for his batting display against Pakistan. On Thursday, Team India will face the Netherlands in their second Super 12 match of the World Cup.

Simon Taufel puts an end to dead-ball controversy!#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup #SimonTaufel pic.twitter.com/7WW7Gk0Lal

— Siddharth Thakur (@fvosid) October 24, 2022