U-19 World Cup: West Indies sparks spirit of cricket debate

South Africa U-19 batsman Jiveshen Pillay was given out for obstructing the field during a match against the Windies in the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup.

South African batsman Jiveshen Pillay was given out for obstructing the field after the West Indies wicketkeeper appealed.

West Indies U-19 team sparked a debate on Wednesday when South African batsman Jiveshen Pillay was given out for obstructing the field during a match in the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup.

Pillay after defending the ball, turned around to stop it from rolling onto the stumps and then picked it up to return to the wicketkeeper. The West Indies U-19 wicketkeeper who is also the captain, Emmanuel Stewart made a half-hearted appeal to get the attention of the two on-field umpires. The third umpire adjudged Pillay out for obstructing the field.

 

Going by the ICC's law 37.4 which states - Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and without the consent of a fielder, he uses his bat or any part of his person, including a hand not holding the bat, to return the ball to any fielder.

Pillay's dismissal immediately sparked a debate over 'Spirit of Cricket' on the social media. South Africa's senior team captain, Faf du Plessis took to Twitter and criticised the decision.

In the last edition of the U-19 World Cup in 2016, the Windies had created a controversy when they claimed a two-run win over Zimbabwe by finishing the match with a 'Mankad' dismissal.

However, Pillay's controversial dismissal didn't stop South Africa U-19 from winning the match, as they defeated the West Indies U-19 by 76 runs.