During the Group A clash in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between India and New Zealand, a controversial moment happened after Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur successfully ran out New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr. As Harmanpreet Kaur started to celebrate the wicket, Amelia Kerr, who was walking back to the pavilion, got stopped by the fourth umpire after being notified by the on-field umpires about the over being completed before she was run out.
Although this moment garnered attention of several fans as well as cricket pundits, we’ll try to explain how Kerr’s run out dismissal was reversed. Speaking of the incident, it took place on the final delivery of the 14th over, which was bowled by Deepti Sharma. Kerr, who was on strike, stroked it towards deep cover region with the batter opting for a single. However, Harmanpreet Kaur collected the ball while the on-field umpire gave Deepti her cap, signaling the end of the over, Amelia Kerr opted for a double. Kaur was quick to throw the ball on the striker’s end with Richa Ghosh dislodging the bails before the completion of the double, but the umpires called for a not-out.
Why was Amelia Kerr controversially ruled not out?
Just in the meantime, India appealed for a run-out, but the umpires called for it as a dead ball, which meant that Amelia Kerr managed to survive the controversial run out. However, this moment got the Indian camp get into heated debate both on and off the field. While Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana engaged in a heated debate with the on-field umpires, Head Coach Amol Mazumdar protested the decision on the sidelines.
As per the MCC Law, the 20th point has bifurcated the provisions of a dead ball. According to MCC Law 20.1.2, “The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.” Moreover, the 20.2 states, “Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.”
According to point 20.3 in the MCC Law, “Neither the call of Over, nor the call of Time is to be made until the ball is dead, either under 20.1 or under 20.4”, whereas the 20.4.1 clarifies, “When the ball has become dead under 20.1, the bowler’s end umpire may call and signal Dead ball if it is necessary to inform the players.”
New Zealand Women thump India Women by 58 runs in one-sided contest
Speaking of the match, on Friday, October 4, the Indian women’s team suffered a one-sided defeat against New Zealand by 58 runs in their opening Group A match in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Sophie Devine-led side posted 160 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. In response, the Indian batting line-up didn’t get any partnership of substance with none of their batters going past 15-run mark.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side were dismissed for 102 in 19 overs, getting bundled out for the first-time in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. With a defeat, the Women in Blue will hope to avenge their defeat as they take on Pakistan in their next fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, October 6.