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Cobras wrong on bizarre call

Cape Town - Cricket South Africa's umpiring boss Mike Gajjar says the Cape Cobras were wrong to complain after Dane Vilas was given out in bizarre fashion against the Titans in their One-Day Cup playoff on Sunday.

Drama ensued when batsman Vilas being given out obstructing the field when David Wiese threw a ball back at him in what was perceived to be an attempt to run him out.

The Cobras wicketkeeper put his bat up and hit the ball and the Titans appealed.

Video highlights: Cobras v Titans

After some deliberation on the field, the decision went upstairs and the third umpire decided to send Vilas on his way.

The Cobras were furious with the decision, with skipper Justin Ontong describing it as one of the most bizarre dismissals he's ever witnessed on a cricket field.

Proteas Test captain Graeme Smith - who missed the game due to an elbow injury - expressed his dismay at the incident on Twitter.

"That's A disgraceful decision setting wrong precedent,how u supposed to get out the way of full blown throw from 5 metres.

"It's called protecting yourself. I'll throw a cricket ball from 5 metres away at full throttle see what you will do ??,"
Smith tweeted.

Cobras coach Paul Adams says it was disappointing that the Titans went ahead with the appeal. "I understand that the umpires were technically correct to give him out (because he used his bat), but for me it's the same as when a bowler runs a batsman out at the bowler's end during his run-up."

However, Gajjar said the correct decision was made. "If he didn't use his bat, the he wouldn't be out," he told the Beeld website.

Despite Vilas receiving his marching orders for 27, the Cobras still managed to record a three-wicket victory and booked their place in the final against the Highveld Lions.
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