Cricket fraternity slams 'disgraceful' crowd reaction during India-Proteas match in Cuttack

The cricketing world has expressed disappointment and shock over the unruly and shameful crowd behavior that marred the second T20 international between India and South Africa in Cuttack on Monday.

Fans vented their anger and went on to hurl plastic bottles onto the ground after India were bundled out for their second lowest T20 score of 92 at the Barabati Stadium.

The bottle-throwing incident caused two interruptions in play, especially when South Africa were 70 for three in 13.2 overs and cruising towards a series win.

South Africa eventually secured a six-wicket win over the hosts to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. They won the first match on Friday at Dharamshala by seven wickets.

Reflecting on the incident, Indian cricket commentator and journalist Harsha Bogle said, "Disgraceful scenes in Cuttack. Nobody has a right to throw bottles on to the ground. Crowd performance worse than that of the players."

"The crowds may be upset with the way India played this evening but the way they are behaving is very disappointing," former India batsman VVS Laxman wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, international players also expressed their disappointment and said that the incident could have been averted.

"Disgusting scenes in Cuttack.... So many Venues in India.... Easy punishment...Don't let them host internationals for a few years...," Michael Vaughan tweeted.

"Really sad and disappointing behaviour from fans in cuttack tonight! Scenes that should not be seen at sporting grounds," said former South Africa captain Graeme Smith.

The third and final match will be played Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens on Thursday. Both sides will then lock horns in five ODIs and the following four-match Test series.