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Throwback to when no-ball Controversy Infuriated BAN over Rohit Sharma’s lucky escape

Poulomi Chakraborty

Rohit Sharma's lucky escape (Source: @ArcaneVl/x.com)Rohit Sharma's lucky escape (Source: @ArcaneVl/x.com)

As cricket never fails to amaze fans with unreal thrills and they ride with every joyous moment and break down with every heartbreak. Yet, some moments capture both extremes at once, where one side soaks in glory and the other endures its darkest heartbreak.

The 2015 World Cup quarter-final between India and Bangladesh captured cricket’s highs and lows perfectly. While India clung to a lifeline, the Tigers endured one of their toughest heartbreaks. Let’s revisit that unforgettable clash.

Rohit’s controversial lifeline sparks heated debate

After the ODI World Cup Win in 2011, the tournament has been a bittersweet memory for the Indian side. In the 2015 edition, Team India's exclusion from the semifinal stage still lingers in heartbreak. But one controversial moment from the India-Bangladesh quarter-final continues to live vividly in fans’ memories.

After dominating the group stage, Team India faced the Tigers on the big stage, and drama ignited. As India batted first, Rohit Sharma gave an explosive start to India’s innings. In the 40th over, Bangladeshi bowler Rubel Hossain came to bowl, and Hitman was standing at the strike.

Rohit Sharma misjudged a full-toss delivery from Rubel, sending it straight to Imrul Kayes at deep mid-wicket. Bangladesh celebrated what looked like a key wicket. However, the moment caught everyone off guard when umpire Ian Gould declared the delivery a waist-high no-ball.

TV replays indicated it was a very close decision that could have gone either way. With both Aleem Dar and Ian Gould supporting the call, Rohit received a lucky break at 90, much to the disappointment of the Tigers.

That lucky break sparked mayhem as Rohit Sharma capitalized immediately. After scoring a thrilling ton on the big stage, he played a crucial innings of 137 runs in 126 balls with 14 boundaries and three over-boundaries. That helped India to put on a total of 302 runs.

Men in Blue clinch thrilling victory over the Tigers

While batting first, Rohit Sharma came to open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan and stitched a 75-run opening partnership. After Dhawan walked away, Kohli and Rahane also made their way early on. Coming to bat at the number five position, Suresh Raina scored a thrilling half-century and played a crucial knock of 65 runs in 57 balls. With all those combined efforts, Team India out on a total of 302 runs.

While defending the total, the Indian bowler unleashed their dominating form. Leading the bowling attack, Umesh Yadav secured a four-wicket haul, and Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja secured two wickets each and restricting them to 193 runs. With that, Men in Blue secured a massive 109-run victory.

Even though the Tigers faced a big defeat, their biggest heartbreak came with the decision of Hitman’s survival. The dramatic incident sparked massive controversy and remains one of cricket’s most debated moments.