ZIMBABWE CAPTAIN BRENDAN Taylor refused to condemn Ireland’s John Mooney following the controversial dismissal of Sean Williams.
Williams appeared set to guide his country to a record World Cup run-chase in Hobart, only to fall with Zimbabwe 32 runs short of their target of 332.
Seeking a six that would have taken him to three figures, the batsman was caught on the boundary rope by Mooney, giving Ireland a crucial breakthrough that ultimately helped them to a five-run triumph.
However, replays suggested Mooney may have brushed the boundary rope with his left foot as he completed the catch and there was a delay before Williams’ dismissal was confirmed.
It appeared Williams may have made the umpires’ decision for them by leaving the ground while replays of the incident were still being studied.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Taylor said: “You’ve got to take his [Mooney's] word for it. It looked pretty clear, but you take the fielder’s word and the game moved forward.”
Ireland skipper William Porterfield praised Mooney for holding his nerve to take the catch.
I think it’s very hard to tell when you’re on the line,” said Porterfield. “It’s a great catch anyway. I haven’t seen a replay. I thought it was great skill anyway.”
Zimbabwe, for whom Taylor made 121 in vain, can no longer qualify for the quarter-finals, while Ireland are well placed to progress from Pool B.
To explain to those that are new to the game theres a real gentlemanly aspect to the sport missing in others. It could have been 50/50 today about that catch but since Mooney thought he’d made the catch the batsmans walked. This is something that happens regularly if guys know they’ve been either caught out or possibly LBW. Its a nice honest side of the sport, people take the others actions as a given and there’s very rarely cheating involved.
Chris Broad? I think not walking has become much more a part of the game now, with only a few recent standouts such as Adam Gilchrist, who always walked.
Don’t think he touched it. In the replays looked more like a shadow than movement.
Anyone know who won the minor match?