Watch: Matthew Wade screams ‘bowled’ before Faf du Plessis faces the delivery, South African gets out ‘bowled’ 2 seconds later; sparks controversy

In pursuit of a 173-run total against Hobart Hurricanes, Faf du Plessis had provided a brilliant start to his team Perth Scorchers in the 8th match of the Big Bash League 2022 on Monday. He scored 32 runs in just 15 deliveries at a strike rate of over 200. His knock was laced with 3 fours and as many sixes.

However, on the 16th ball he faced, a bizarre incident happened which left the former South African captain fuming. As Patrick Dooley bowled the last ball of the 4th over, wicket-keeper Matthew Wade yelled ‘bowled’ before du Plessis actually made contact with the ball.

The South African seemingly got distracted by that and, unfortunately, got out bowled. Du Plessis looked furious with Wade’s antics behind the stumps but he had to go back to the pavilion with huge disappointment.

You can watch the video here:

Paddy Dooley is pumped and rightly so!#BBL12 pic.twitter.com/XT4dzZDxC7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2022

It is pertinent to note that it is illegal to distract a batter during the delivery and some suggestions were that it could have been declared as dead ball. However, the umpired had already given that out.

Later, after the end of the game, Hobart Hurricanes captain, Matthew Wade apologized to the former South African cricketer.

“I called ‘bowled’ maybe a little bit early. I don’t know how early it was, but I think that’s why he was annoyed … apologies Faf,” the Australian wicketkeeper further said.

Following Faf du Plessis’ wicket, the likes of Nick Hobson (3) and Adam Lyth (10) also got out cheaply. Josh Inglish kept the hopes alive with a handy knock of 62 runs in 37 balls.

However, once he got out in the 16th over, the Scorchers couldn’t find a batter who could guide them home. In the end, they fell 8 runs short of the target. Perth Scorchers have won 1 game out of two matches so far.