WATCH: Shamsi's Controversial 'Not Out' Call Off Haris Rauf Delivery Fixture Sends Netizens Into Heated Debate About DRS

To call the South Africa’s ICC Cricket World Cup fixture against Pakistan thrilling would be an understatement. The match was galore with sudden momentum changes, the occasional sublime batting, the even better bowling and most importantly, controversy. And one such controversial moment caught the attention of cricket fans all over the world: Haris Rauf and his LBW appeal to scalp Shamsi’s wicket.

Pakistan started their innings poorly, losing quick wickets in regular intervals. Then, skipper Babar Azam brought in some semblence of stability in the batting order, only to be dismissed the very next delivery after he got his fifty. But, Pakistan’s true heroes with the bat were the lower order pair of Shadab Khan and Saud Shakeel, both of whom scored crucial fifties each to help bolster Pakistan to a respectable total of 270.

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South Africa have been the most destructive side with the bat so far in this World Cup, and one expected them to sweep away the Men in Green and keep progressing with ease.

Aiden Markram anchored the innings in the middle with 91 from 93 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes. But, the Proteas’ chasing woes continued and before you knew it, they were down nine wickets and 11 runs were needed with the last pair on the field. It was all down to Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.

The pair maintained their calm and played out the pacers’ spell carefully. But, it was in the 46th over, when the world world gasped in disbelief and awe.

Haris Rauf with the very last ball of his spell delivered a blistering fast ball, which laid low and left Shamsi bamboozled as it rolled onto his pads clearly. The appeals were loud and spirited, by the umpire remained unfazed and uncertain in his decision, giving it a no-call.

With just one review left, and one wicket being hunted for, Babar Azam took the decision to take the no-call up to the third umpire, in a gamble to save the game for Pakistan. But, the scenes portrayed were even more hurtful for Pakistan, as the DRS displayed that the delivery be ruled on the Umpire’s Call, thereby ruling their review void and the original decision stood, giving South Africa another life to clinch the match.

And clinch the match they did, as Keshav Maharaj awkwardly swept one away to the boundary and claimed a historic won for South Africa, who had finally broken a 24-year drought of not having beaten Pakistan in an ODI World Cup match ever.

The controversial decision led to personalities galore, from the cricketing world to fans all over, debating the necessity and efficiency of the DRS technology.

Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle took to social media as well, to clarify his stance on the use of the DRS technology.

As a reply, former Indian international Harbhajan Singh also shared his disgust and distraught over the same.

Many others also pointed out the misfortune DRS has brought to Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup as well.

People were also quick to recognise the controversial dismissal of Rassie Van Der Dussen, who was also ruled out on Umpire’s Call.

Some others tried to see both sides of the argument and wanted to advocate for the change in rules regarding the DRS.

Either ways, what remains the same is that Pakistan now face elimination from the World Cup as a consequence.