Poorans Non-Stumping Divides Opinions in Vipers One-Run ILT20 Win

In a thrilling International League T20 match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Desert Vipers edged out MI Emirates by one run on Monday, but the game will be remembered for a controversial non-stumping by wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran that sparked widespread debate in cricket circles.

Batting first, the Vipers posted 159 for four in their 20 overs, a total that appeared modest after a slow middle phase. Openers Fakhar Zaman scored 35, while Andries Gous retired hurt early, bringing Middlesex batter Max Holden to the crease at number three. Holden struggled for momentum, reaching 42 off 37 balls as the Vipers crawled to 117 for one after 15.5 overs, with England allrounder Sam Curran on 11 off 13 at the other end. The innings needed acceleration with four overs remaining.

The pivotal moment came on the final ball of the 16th over, bowled by Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan. He delivered a short, wide ball outside off stump, which Holden charged at but missed entirely, leaving him well out of his crease. Pooran, the West Indies wicketkeeper for MI Emirates, collected the ball cleanly and had a straightforward stumping opportunity. However, he hesitated and chose not to...