Controversial 20th Over in IPL 2026: KKR vs LSG Match Analysis

The IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants sparked controversy during the 20th over when Kartik Tyagi was allowed to bowl despite two beamers. This article delves into the incident, the umpire's decisions, and the thrilling conclusion of the match, where Mohammed Shami hit a six on the last ball. Discover the implications of the rules and the excitement that unfolded in this dramatic over.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 23:47 IST

Controversy Unfolds in the Final Over

During the IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a significant controversy arose in the 20th over when Kartik Tyagi was permitted to bowl despite having delivered two beamers. KKR was prepared to remove Tyagi from the bowling attack, yet the umpires decided he could continue. This incident occurred just before the second legal delivery of the over, where Tyagi bowled a beamer that struck Himmat but fortunately did not result in any injury. Harsha Bhogle explained on-air that the umpires did not classify the second no-ball as dangerous. According to the MCC laws (41.7), a bowler is only removed from the attack after bowling two dangerous deliveries, with a warning issued after the first. Not every waist-high no-ball is considered dangerous; in Tyagi's case, the first was deemed dangerous, but the second was not.

Understanding IPL Playing Conditions

41.7 Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries

41.7.1 Any delivery that passes or would have passed above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease is considered unfair, regardless of the likelihood of causing physical injury. The umpire must immediately call and signal a No ball for such deliveries.

41.7.2 A delivery is also deemed dangerous if the bowler’s end umpire believes there is a risk of injury to the striker. In making this assessment, the umpire will disregard any protective gear worn by the striker and consider the speed, height, direction of the delivery, the skill of the striker, and the frequency of such deliveries.

41.7.3 If the umpire determines that a non-pitching delivery or a series of such deliveries is dangerous, they will repeat the No ball signal to the scorers and caution the bowler, indicating this is a first and final warning. The umpire will also inform the other umpire, the fielding captain, and the batter about the situation. This caution applies to that bowler for the entire innings.

41.7.4 If the same bowler delivers another dangerous ball in that innings, the umpire will call and signal a No ball, direct the fielding captain to suspend the bowler immediately, and inform the other umpire of the reason. The suspended bowler will not be allowed to bowl again in that innings. If necessary, another bowler will complete the over, who has not bowled any part of the previous or next over.

Exciting Conclusion to the 20th Over

Tyagi's over turned out to be quite thrilling as LSG required 16 runs to win. He managed to take Himmat's wicket, reducing the target to seven runs needed from the final ball. In a stunning finish, Mohammed Shami hit a six on the last delivery, leaving spectators in awe.