Yuvraj's LBW Reprieve vs Pakistan — WC 2011 Semi-Final

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan at Mohali was one of the most watched cricket matches in history. Estimates suggested over a billion people were watching globally — a figure that encompasses the combined cricket-watching populations of India and Pakistan, plus the diaspora worldwide.

India, playing at home, had the weight of a nation's expectation on their shoulders. Sachin Tendulkar, in what was widely understood to be his last World Cup, was a rallying point for Indian cricket fans. The team — with MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Harbhajan — was one of the most talented Indian sides ever assembled.

Pakistan, led by Shahid Afridi, were dangerous opponents. They had beaten India in the 2007 World T20 final and had a talented attack capable of dismantling any batting lineup on their day. The semi-final was, in cricketing terms, a genuine 50-50 match.

Pakistan batted first and were bowled out for 260 — a competitive total but one that India felt was within their reach. The target was set up by Misbah-ul-Haq's composed 56 and Hafeez's 43. India's bowlers, led by Munaf Patel (4 wickets) and Zaheer Khan, had been disciplined.

India's chase started cautiously. Sehwag fell early, and Tendulkar, on 85, was dropped by Afridi at deep mid-wicket — a miss that became one of the most discussed moments of the tournament. India were building steadily when the Yuvraj LBW incident occurred.

Yuvraj Singh — the Player of the Tournament for his stunning all-round performances — came in during India's chase with the team still requiring a sizeable target. A Pakistani bowler struck him on the pad with a delivery that appeared to be hitting the stumps.

The LBW appeal against Yuvraj Singh came during a tense passage of India's chase. A Pakistani bowler — the delivery was aimed at Yuvraj's pads with a ball that cut back into him — struck him on the front pad. The appeal went up immediately. Umpire Aleem Dar shook his head.

Pakistani players believed the ball was plumb. Television replays were interpreted differently by Indian and Pakistani commentators — a pattern common in all India-Pakistan matches where partisan interpretation of the same footage produces opposite conclusions. Without ball-tracking technology that could provide a definitive answer, the argument remained unresolved.

Yuvraj went on to contribute to India's chase. He was bowled out for 25, but his contribution — combined with Dhoni's unbeaten 91 — helped India to their target of 261, winning by 29 runs.

The match result meant India progressed to the World Cup Final in Mumbai — where they would beat Sri Lanka to win the tournament for the first time since 1983. Yuvraj Singh was awarded Player of the Tournament for his contributions throughout the World Cup — 362 runs and 15 wickets.

Pakistan's players were openly frustrated after the match. They felt multiple decisions had gone against them, and while the Yuvraj LBW reprieve was one element, they pointed to the general atmosphere at Mohali — a ground full of Indian supporters — as contributing to a sense that the contest was not being played on neutral ground.

“We felt a few things went against us. That's cricket. The better team won on the day.”

“Playing India in a World Cup semi-final in Mohali — it doesn't get bigger than this. We knew we had to fight for everything.”

“Mohali was madness. A billion people watching. The pressure was unlike anything I had experienced.”

“Some decisions were wrong, yes. But Pakistan also had chances to win this game and didn't take them.”

Pakistan's dressing room was subdued after the defeat. Shahid Afridi admitted in post-match comments that Pakistan felt some decisions had not gone their way but accepted the result. The specific reference to the Yuvraj LBW became a recurring talking point in Pakistani cricket media.

India's victory at Mohali was celebrated as one of the great moments in Indian cricket history. The scenes inside and outside PCA Stadium were extraordinary — the home crowd's emotion was palpable. India vs Pakistan in a World Cup semi-final, won by India in front of a home crowd, was a moment that transcended cricket.

The match was also notable for the dignitaries in attendance — Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari watched together, turning the match into a piece of cricket diplomacy at the highest level.