Nicholas Pooran's decision not to stump Holden sparked controversy, but is within T20 laws, highlighting the strategic nature of modern franchise cricket.

The Desert Vipers’ win over MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi already looked dramatic on the scorecard. A one-run margin, late collapse, and a dramatic last over made for a wild night. But the strangest moment came earlier, when Nicholas Pooran chose not to stump Max Holden, and the immediate response from the Vipers was to retire the batter out the very next over.

Holden had walked in at number three after Andries Gous retired hurt, but the left-hander never really got going. The Vipers were stationed at 117/1 in 15.5 overs, with Holden batting at 42 off 36. Their progression was stuck in the first gear.

On the last ball of the 16th over,

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