As Punjab Kings pulled a win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday to boost their chances of making it to playoffs, the IPL 2021 match in Dubai saw them overhaul the 166-run target with just three balls remaining. Anything could have happened at this point. However, a knock from KL Rahul got PBKS the win that they were aiming for. Despite all the stunning performances, what grabbed the attention was a third umpiring decision in the penultimate over of the match. For a moment it looked like PBKS had lost their captain. However, the third empire deemed Rahul Tripathi’s catch not clean enough and gave a not out decision. 

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The third umpire was later slammed by former cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Graeme Swann. In fact, cricket fans were shocked and took to social media to express their feelings. 

One of the Twitter users expressed their disappointment and write, “@IPL @BCCI #KKRvsPBKS It was a very unfair decision regarding KL Rahul catch off Rahul Tripathi. It was a fine clear catch. It was clearly out. Fingers was under the ball. Third umpire does not even use the word “FINGER UNDER THE BALL” Very much disappointing”

Another one added, “KKR have been robbed.

Irrespective of the result of the game, that catch by Rahul Tripathi should have been declared out. Fingers clearly under the ball. Tough on the third umpire as well to make a decision but KKR HAVE BEEN ROBBED!!!!!”

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A user slammed the third umpire and tweeted, “Clearly it was Fingers Underneath the ball! Absolutely wrong decision by third umpire. Rahul Tripathi grabbed that catch perfect and clean.

#KKRvPBKS #KKR”, while another lauded Rahul Tripathi tweeting, “Pathetic 3rd umpiring decision given against Rahul Tripathi’s brilliant catch!!!

Could have been a contender for catch of this tournament!!!

#IPL2021 #KKRvsPBKS”

PBKS are now level on 10 points with KKR but if Mumbai Indians win their game in hand, they will climb to fourth place in the points table.