Saeed Ajmal and Sachin Tendulkar. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)
MS Dhoni-led Indian team lifted the 2011 edition of the World Cup, beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi-final en route to their triumph. 12 years after India’s glory, former Paksitani spinner Saeed Ajmal, who was part of the defeated Pakistani team, made a startling claim about batting icon Sachin Tendulkar’s decisive innings.
Former Pakistani cricketer Saeed Ajmal, who was one of the best spinners in the world during his time, made a bold claim regarding Sachin Tendulkar’s innings in the 2011 WC semi-final. Ajmal had trapped the Indian batter in front of the wicket only for Sachin to challenge the on-field call.
The replays showed the ball to be missing the stumps, handing Sachin a reprieve in the 11th over of the blockbuster clash. However, 12 years after the incident, Ajmal made a bold statement, claiming that the last two frames of the replay were edited to deny his team Sachin’s wicket. Ajmal stated that the on-field umpire made the right call as the ball was going to hit the middle stump, only for the replays to show otherwise.
“I played in the 2011 World Cup in India. If you could remember the controversial call of Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket. Umpire and I still say he was out. They cut the last two frames to make the ball miss the stumps. Otherwise, it would have directly hit the middle stump,” said Ajmal on Nadir Ali’s podcast.
Sachin’s reprieve cost Pakistan the match
The legendary batter went on to score 85 runs in the first innings, taking India to a competitive total. His innings proved to be a decisive factor in the match as the home side went on to win the match by 29 runs. After defeating Pakistan in Mohali, the Men in Blue clashed against Sri Lanka in the summit clash, defeating the islanders to lift their second ODI World Cup trophy.