Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: IND-W vs NZ-W: Harmanpreet Kaur Furious At The Umpiring Horror

In their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, India faced New Zealand. During the game, a peculiar incident occurred when Amelia Kerr was not given out despite being short of her crease. The on-field umpires had already declared the ball dead. Kerr hit the ball to long-off for a single. India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, collected the ball and moved into the circle without throwing it.

IND-W vs NZ-W: Here is what happened!

From the wicketkeeper’s end, Sophie Devine called Kerr for a second run. However, the umpire had just handed Deepti Sharma her cap, typically signalling the end of the over. Realizing the mistake, Harmanpreet made a quick throw to the keeper’s end, where Richa Ghosh dislodged the bails in a flash, catching Kerr well short. Kerr began heading back to the dressing room before the umpires stepped in, indicating that it was a dead ball, and therefore, no review could be taken.

The incident led to a lively discussion between Harmanpreet Kaur and the on-field umpires, where the Indian captain argued that her throw was a response to the New Zealand batters attempting a run. However, her animated argument was unsuccessful.

Team India’s head coach, Amol Muzumdar, also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, engaging in a lengthy and animated conversation with the fourth umpire. Despite these protests, the umpires maintained that the over had been called, and Amelia Kerr was allowed to continue batting. Kerr’s reprieve was short-lived, as she was caught out at cover by Vastrakar off Renuka’s bowling in the following over.

What does the rule say?

As per the laws of the game, Kerr should have been given out. As per 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.” The batters kept running while the fielder still had the ball in her hand. It could be said that the umpire made an error there.