David Warner’s decision to not review his dismissal against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the 2021 T20 World Cup has become one of the biggest talking points of the tournament. The Australian opener played a phenomenal knock of 49 in 30 balls before Shadab Khan dismissed him.
Warner walked back to the pavilion after it looked like that he had edged a delivery from Shadab into wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan’s hands. However, replays showed that the ball missed the bat and there was no spike on the snicometer either.
The replays left cricket fans stunned and many questioning Warner’s refusal to use the Decision Review System (DRS) at such a crucial juncture in a World Cup semi-final.
In a video on his Facebook page, Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar explained the possible reasoning behind Warner walking back to the dressing room without using DRS. Sachin said, “His dismissal was surprising. Everyone had appealed, and even the umpire gave him out.”
He added, “Sometimes, batter nicks the ball and he doesn’t realise it, sometimes there is no nick but batter walks after the strong reactions from opponents and the umpire. I think that was the case with Warner. But it was surprising when I saw the action replay.”
Despite wickets falling around him, Warner was looking extremely comfortable on the crease spearheaded Australia’s chase. After his dismissal, Australia lost their way for a brief period of time as they found themselves in trouble at 96-5 with Glenn Maxwell also losing his wicket shortly after Warner’s.
However, Warner’s refusal to not use DRS did not prove costly for Australia as Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis inspired them to a thrilling victory. Aaron Finch & Co will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday as they aim to lift the T20 World Cup for the first time.
Warner is Australia’s leading run-scorer in the tournament with 236 runs in six innings. He has two half-centuries to his name in the tournament so far. He will have the chance to become the tournament’s highest run-scorer in the summit clash.
