A high full-toss was declared a wide instead of a no-ball during Netherlands’ run chase in the third ODI against Pakistan. Pakistan eventually won the match by nine runs.

Mohammad Wasim Jr bowled a ‘beamer’ – a full toss above the waist – during the fifth ball of the 46th over of the Netherlands innings. It was immediately called a wide by the on-field umpire, but because it was outside the leg stump. Logan van Beek, the batter, however, was not impressed: he suggested that it should have been signalled a no-ball instead with a free hit to follow.

According to MCC’s Law 21.10, an umpire “shall call and signal a No ball for any delivery which, after pitching, passes or would have passed over the head height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease.”

Replays showed that the ball would have indeed passed over van Beek’s head, but with a wide already been given, the on-field umpires could not refer the decision to the television umpire.

Netherlands needed 33 off 27 balls at the point until that point with three wickets in hand. The wide reduced the equation to 33 of 26, just like a no-ball would have done, but the hosts would also have had a free hit.

Netherlands eventually lost by nine runs after being bowled out for 197 with Pakistan winning the three-match series 3-0.

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NetherlandsPakistan Series Editorial