Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis claims no-ball only given after Virat Kohli asked for it
Former Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis has suggested umpires only awarded a controversial final-over no-ball because Virat Kohli asked for it.
With India needing 13 for victory off the final three balls of their thrilling win over Pakistan in their opening T20 World Cup clash, Kohli hit a full toss from spinner Mohammad Nawaz for six over deep square leg.
After a short consultation with Marius Erasmus at square leg, umpire Rod Tucker called a no-ball.
READ MORE: A-League clash marred by shambolic red card call
READ MORE: Kohli moved to tears after World Cup heroics
READ MORE: Australia handed daunting World Cup finals draw
"When the ball is about waist-high, the square-leg umpire's first reaction is that he takes his hand out, extends his right hand," Younis said on Pakistan television with fellow former captain Wasim Akram.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis suggested the no ball call in the thrilling final over of the India v Pakistan clash should've been thrown to the third umpire. Nine / Supplied
"He is an experienced umpire. That's his natural reaction. But if you look at the replays, (Erasmus) turns around to see the ball. Then after Virat Kohli asked for it...
"I am not saying and I don't want to say it's a no-ball or not, I don't want to get into that controversy. But the umpire should have called it there and then.
"It was Virat Kohli's right to ask for the no-ball and he should do it. The square-leg umpire should have consulted the main umpire and they should have gone upstairs.
"That's why the third umpire is sitting there. It should have been left to him - he could call it no-ball, six whatever."
Akram agreed, saying the decision should've been left to the third umpire.
Stream every Australian men's T20 World Cup match plus selected other matches, including the finals, live and free on 9Now
"The ball seemed to dip but it's kind of touch and go," he said.
"To the naked eye, it did not seem like a no-ball but in slow-motion, it does seem like it dipped.
Virat Kohli celebrates after the final run is scored. ICC via Getty Images
"Any batsman will turn and ask for a no-ball. That's not Kohli's fault ... you have technology, use it."
Still needing six runs off the final three balls, Nawaz then bowled a wide on the free hit, which extended the free hit to the next ball, off which he clean bowled Kohli. The ball ran down to third man and the Indian batters scampered through for three byes.
The drama didn't end there. Now needing two off two balls, Dinesh Karthik was stumped, bringing Ravi Ashwin to the crease. Nawaz bowled another wide - this time down the leg side, before Ashwin calmly hit the winning runs over mid off.
