India vs Sri Lanka: Key Moments and Controversies in the First T20I 2024

On Saturday, July 27, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, India secured a decisive 43-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series. The match was filled with stellar performances from both sides, but a particular incident during Sri Lanka’s innings sparked memories of the dramatic 2019 World Cup final.

In the 12th over, bowled by Hardik Pandya, Nissanka struck the ball towards square leg to complete his fifty. As the batters ran for two, a direct hit at the non-striker’s end sent the ball racing to the boundary, awarding Sri Lanka six runs. However, upon review, the third umpire noted that the batters had not crossed when the fielder released the ball. Consequently, Sri Lanka was awarded five runs instead of two.

This incident was reminiscent of the controversial moment in the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord’s. In that match, a throw from Martin Guptill struck Ben Stokes’ hand and deflected to the boundary, granting England six runs as the batters completed two.

Clarifying the Law

According to Law 19.8 of the playing conditions, for the extra run to count, both batters must have crossed when the fielder releases the throw. In the World Cup final, replays showed that Stokes and his partner Adil Rashid had not crossed, meaning England should have been awarded five runs instead of six. This would have brought Rashid on strike, with England needing four runs from two balls to win.

Why the 2019 World Cup Decision Stood

During the 2019 final, on-field umpires Kumar Dharamsena and Marais Erasmus did not have the option to consult the third umpire, as no dismissal had occurred. They awarded six runs to England based on their judgment, which helped England tie the game and eventually win their first World Cup title by boundary count in the super over. After the match, Dharmasena acknowledged the mistake publicly.

Published By: Cricket Khabhar

Published On: July 28, 2024

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