Usman Khawaja vs AJ Tye: The batsman from Sydney Thunder became beneficiary of an umpiring howler at the Manuka Oval.
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During the 12th match of the ongoing 10th season of the Big Bash League between Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers in Canberra, Sydney Thunder opening batsman Usman Khawaja received a massive reprieve off Perth Scorchers fast bowler Andrew Tye.
It all happened on the first delivery of the sixth over when Khawaja’s attempt of playing a big shot against Tye saw him edging the ball to Scorchers wicket-keeper Josh Inglis.
In what was a clear sound of the ball hitting the bat, umpire Simon Lightbody thought of the otherwise as he didn’t raise his finger despite Scorchers’ players involving in a celebration.
“I thought the bat hit the ground, mate,” Lightbody was heard on the stump mic whilst giving an explanation to a disappointed and displeased Tye.
Khawaja, who was batting at 18* at that time, ended up scoring 21 (25) to leave little impact in a 153-run chase. Having said that, Lightbody’s decision in Khawaja’s favour raised loud calls of introducing DRS in the Big Bash League.
As far as the match was concerned, Thunder captain Callum Ferguson (61*) scored his seventh BBL half-century to seal the chase with three balls remaining.
Apart from the 36-year old player, the likes of debutant Olivier Davies (36) and all-rounder Ben Cutting (29*) chipped in with substantial contributions in a winning cause.
Usman Khawaja vs AJ Tye
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