Controversy and confusion at Challenge Play-off: Malaysia crash out despite dubious tactic

Controversy marred the Cricket World Cup Challenge Playoff in Kuala Lumpur as hosts Malaysia’s attempt to save their campaign backfired. Malaysia, needing to prevent Vanuatu from overtaking their net run rate to qualify, bowled a deliberate wide when the scores were level, ensuring Vanuatu won but didn’t overtake them. This tactic, though within the rules, drew criticism and confusion.

Malaysia, initially thinking they were safe if they prevented Vanuatu from chasing within 28.1 overs, found themselves in trouble when Vanuatu reached the target with a six needed off the last two balls of the 30th over. A wide full toss was bowled, securing the win for Vanuatu but keeping Malaysia ahead on net run rate.

The controversy was short-lived as Tanzania defeated Bahrain, breaking the three-way tie and eliminating Malaysia. Bahrain, Tanzania, and Vanuatu progressed from Group B. Italy, Kuwait, and Bermuda advanced from Group A, with Kuwait’s victory over Bermuda propelling them to the top of the Super Six stage.

The remaining six teams will play three further games against those reaching the Super Sixes from the other side of the draw. The top four will qualify for the CWC Challenge League, while the eliminated teams will have to qualify for the next edition of the Challenge Playoff via the T20I rankings.

Malaysia’s elimination, while surprising, raises questions about the loophole in tournament rules that allowed for such tactics. The issue of prematurely ending a chase to preserve net run rate advantage is not widely understood but has been raised before and needs addressing.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram