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MOHALI: Angry Ireland captain William Porterfield slammed a controversial umpiring decision involving Gary Wilson in their crunch World Cup defeat against the West Indies on Friday.
Wilson was adjudged leg before wicket by on-field umpire Asoka de Silva when the batsman was cruising at 61 and the decision was referred to TV umpire Bruce Oxenford.
TV replays showed the batsman had offered a shot but de Silva upheld his decision as the ball was pitching in line of the stumps, prompting Wilson to indulge in an angry exchange with the veteran Sri Lankan umpire.
De Silva stuck to his guns even after Wilson had asked for a second review.
Porterfield said the decision cost his side the game at a time when, at 199-5, they were well placed to chase the target of 276.
“The decision was crucial and cost us the game,” said Porterfield Ireland were handed a 44-run defeat.
“You can make mistakes on the field. But when you have the technology and advantage of TV replays, that is supposed to eradicate mistakes.
“In my opinion this time it didn't. The replays showed Wilson was trying to play a shot and that could be seen on the big screen (on the ground) as well.
“The game was at a crucial stage. If that decision was not made, we could have opted for the powerplays, but that wicket forced us to delay it.”
The defeat left Ireland with the huge task of beating South Africa and the Netherlands in their last two league games if they are to make it to the last eight.
