![Tom Banton hits Usman Tariq in T20 Blast [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779646158162_TomBantonhitsUsmanTariqforsix.jpg?type=hq)
Tom Banton hits Usman Tariq in T20 Blast [Source: X]
England batter Tom Banton gave a befitting reply to Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq by hitting him for six just months after accusing the latter of chucking. This incident unfolded during a T20 Blast 2026 game.
The match was played between Warwickshire and Somerset at Edgbaston Ground. Batting first, Warwickshire scored 189 runs owing to a half-century from Sam Hain and 40+ run knocks from Robert Yates and Beau Webster.
Tom Banton takes on Usman Tariq
However, in the chase, Somerset started well. Opener Tom Banton led the charge, scoring 47 off just 26 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Interestingly, during his knock, Banton took Usman Tariq head-on.
Facing the Pakistan spinner, Banton premeditated a reverse sweep and hit it towards the square leg for a six that just brushed the fielder’s hands at the deep.
This viral hit comes after Tom Banton had earlier complained about Tariq’s bowling action during the ILT20 tournament. But this time, in the T20 Blast tournament, Banton came prepared and didn’t let Tariq dominate him.
That being said, after the England batter’s blazing opening, James Rew scored 93 off just 48 balls to guide Somerset to a comfortable 7-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare.
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When Banton complained about Tariq
The context of the Tom Banton vs Usman Tariq rivalry is important here. During the ILT20 2025-26 Qualifier 1 match between MI Emirates and Desert Vipers, Tariq dismissed Banton, who was playing a destructive innings of 63 runs off just 27 balls.
The spinner bowled a slower, carrom-style delivery outside off stump, and Banton mistimed his shot towards long-off, where Sam Curran completed the catch.
However, after getting out, Tom Banton was visibly frustrated and appeared to repeatedly shout “throwing the ball” towards Tariq, essentially accusing the bowler of using an illegal bowling action.
Will Usman Tariq ever escape the chucking tag? (Conclusion)
In cricket, chucking refers to an illegal bowling action where the bowler straightens their elbow excessively while delivering the ball. According to ICC regulations, bowlers are only allowed up to 15 degrees of elbow extension during their action.
As for Usman Tariq, he takes an unusual pause before bowling, and his arm angle is unorthodox. Hence, batters like Tom Banton and Cameron Green have repeatedly complained about him.
However, the ICC did pull up Tariq before for illegal action, only to clear him later on. To date, Usman Tariq has played international cricket regularly without any intervention from the ICC or the umpires.
Hence, it’s clear that his action is legal. However, in cricket, a stain is not easy to wash. Fans remember every single detail, and as long as Tariq continues to maintain his action and pause, he won’t be able to completely shed the ‘chucker’ tag.
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