Malaysia clinch controversial last-over win

WCL Division Four hosts Malaysia avenged a thumping defeat 11 months ago at Division Three, with a dramatic last over run-out to clinch a nine-run win over Uganda at the Kinrara Oval. However, the finish was shrouded in controversy, with Uganda questioning the validity of the run-out, as Suhan Alagaratnam's underarm throw from cover never actually hit the stumps at the striker's end. Video evidence viewed afterward by ESPNcricinfo supported their claim.

Chasing 209, Uganda needed 16 off 24 balls with two wickets in hand. But Malaysia's spinners built up the pressure with a tight infield ring that cut off runs. It resulted in Bilal Hassan forcing a pull off a good length ball from Muhammad Syahadat, and dragging it onto his stumps for 10.

With 10 needed off the final over, and the set Deusdedit Muhumuza off strike, Henry Ssenyondo nudged a good length ball from left-arm spinner Virandeep Singh into the covers. Alagaratnam swooped in and threw underarm into the ground, the ball bouncing five times before skidding toward the stumps. However, video replays showed that the ball never deviated after crossing the stumps, and instead carried on along its path towards fine leg, whereas a natural deflection off the stumps should have taken it to midwicket.

Square-leg umpire Isaac Oyieko of Kenya upheld Malaysia's appeal and ruled Muhumuza out, prompting the batsman to hurl his bat across the pitch. The implication from the video replay is that Malaysia's wicketkeeper Shafiq Sharif may have inadvertently knocked a bail off when making contact with the stumps. Sharif was credited for the run-out by the official scorers, though he never came in contact with the ball, further clouding the picture.

The ending marred what was a thrilling chase that Uganda arguably gave away with some poor shots on a flat surface. Man-of-the-Match Syahadat struck the telling blow, when he pinned Fred Achelam, playing around his pads for 36, ending a 54-run stand with Muhumuza. Syahadat then burrowed through the tail, ending with figures of 4 for 21.

Earlier, Alagaratnam and Ahmed Faiz had set up Malaysia for a defendable total with a pair of half-centuries, after Malaysia chose to bat under clear skies.