Be it referees or umpires, officials’ decisions often have a big say on the outcome and results of match in any sport.
Patidar Samj players could not go any further after an umpiring decision that went against them in their Multiple Industries Division One 50-Over League match against Tornado B on Sunday.
Umpire Paul Okecho decision that ruled batsman Patidar’s Mohit Pose had suffered a Leg Before Wicket (lbw) dismissal after Tornado B’s Cyrus Kibuukamusoke’s bowling (3/20) in the second innings end the game prematurely at the university oval in Kyambogo.
Pose and his captain Ankit Patel did not agree with the decision and their innings were halted at 131-8 in just 32.5 overs.
They were chasing Tornado B’s 237-10 mammoth score that had been set in 48.5 overs.
Tornado B’s top order of Roger Mukasa (22 off 42), Lawrence Ssematimba (57 off 75) and Nicholas Kebba’s 110-ball 88 knock had earlier helped them pile the out-of-touch target.
The latter pair was involved in a 113-run third wicket stand from 88-2 to 201-3 within a 22 overs.
But Patidar bowlers Farouk Ochimi (3/38), Isaac Lubega (1/40) and Jigar Patel’s four-wicket haul put the opponent’s tail-end at bay.
Lubega returned with 15 off 23, Jigar Patel got 28 off 31, Jignesh Parekh added 18 off 28 and Kishor Patel’s 63-ball knock involving seven fours remained efforts in vain.
Tornado bowlers Moses Otiti (2/34), Mukasa (1/23) and John Mpande (1/39) did not let loose until the opponents bowed out in protest.
“Its three in three for us,” Kebba said. “We have now maintained their 100% record in three games and we want to keep the momentum.”
MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES CRICKET LEAGUE
DIVISION I RESULT
Tornado B 237/10 Patidar 131/8 [Patidar forfeit match after 32.5 overs]
Wanderers 188/7 Rounders 152/10
DIVISION II
Warriors 130/8 JACC 113/7
Warriors 118/9 Jinja SS 119/4