There has been heartache and controversy during the heart-stopping Twenty20 World Cup final that saw South Africa lose to India by just seven runs in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Electing to bat on a dry surface at the Kensington Oval on Saturday, 2007 champions India overcame a top-order meltdown to post a competitive 7-176.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Suryakumar Yadav takes classic catch in T20 World Cup final.
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The Proteas also suffered a top-order collapse of their own but Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) put their chase back on track.
But high drama followed with South Africa needing only 30 runs from the last 30 balls which then boiled down to 16 runs off the last over.
That was when South Africa batter David Miller smacked a full-toss off the bowling Hardik Pandya, which appeared to be sailing for six when Suryakumar Yadav took an incredible catch right on the boundary line.
Yadav grabbed the ball, threw it quickly back up, stepped over the rope, and then ran back on the field and to catch the ball again and seal the deal.
It has been called the catch of the decade, but fans have noted that the ‘cushinos’ or the rope was not in the right spot, and some also believe Yadav’s toe touched the rope regardless.
But what is certainly clear, if the rope had been in the right spot, Yadav’s foot would have been outside of play.
In the previous over, the rope had been pushed back a tad by a fielder and it wasn’t adjusted to the correct position by officials.
“It was a sixer if boundary cushinos were on the right spot,” journalist Fawad Rehman said.
“Third umpire should have checked the correct boundary lines.”
Another fan said: “David Miller hit the shot for six! Surya Kumar was on the boundary. The ball was in his hands when he definitely touched the boundary line. … South Africa lost due to the 3rd umpire error.”
He added: “The third umpire failed to properly inspect the boundary ropes. He didn’t request zooming in and observing from various angles to ensure that his foot didn’t touch the boundary ropes when catching.”
After the match, a shattered Miller was seen in tears.
Heartbreaking pictures emerged of Miller embracing his wife, and many fans said they felt for the popular star.
“I am so f****** worried about this guy than anyone else 😭. David Miller chin up, king 💔💚,” one fan said on X (formerly Twitter).
And another — while posting a picture of Miller slumped on the fence and covering his face — said: “A true cricket fan will always feel hurt to see David Miller like this. He always gives his all for his nation and still ends up in tears.”
Another said: “No words 💔💔. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. You did your best. You are still a national treasure for South Africa, David Miller ❤️❤️.”
Proteas skipper Aiden Markram, whose side was chasing a first ever World Cup win, was gutted after the match.
“It’s gut-wrenching … the way this game went only adds to the emotions,” he said.
“I’d like to think we’re one step closer to getting that first win. It hurts quite a bit but I’m incredibly proud. South Africans are competitive, respectful and will go down with a fight. This is still a proud moment for us.”
– With AAP