Explained: What was the controversy with Amelia Kerr's run-out in the IND vs NZ 2024 Women's T20 World Cup clash?
A controversial moment erupted in India's maiden encounter of the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Friday, October 4.
Kiwi batter Amelia Kerr, who was at the crease, slapped a back-of-a-length delivery outside off from Deepti Sharma to Harmanpreet Kaur at long off and pushed for a single. However, seeing a slight fumble, she then called for a second.
The throw came in from Kaur at the wicketkeeper's end, where Kerr was found short and was run out in emphatic fashion. However, after much deliberation, the umpires declared her to be not out, much to the chagrin of the Indian skipper.
Kerr did not make the most of her reprieve and eventually got out in the next over, holing out to Pooja Vastrakar at cover to a slowish and wide delivery from Renuka Singh Thakur. The controversial decision did not cost India much.
The umpire Anna Harris explained that the decision was given as not out since she had already declared over at the end of the first run. Hence, the ball was dead and anything occurring after that was deemed to be illegal.
Kerr must have tried to go for the second run not having heard the umpire declare the over. Harris was also seen handing Sharma's hat to her, as is normally done at the end of every over. Since the ball was dead, Kerr was not out.
Section 20.1.2 of the dead-ball law says: "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."
Kaur, quite naturally, felt aggrieved at this decision not having gone her team's way, but she did not have to worry too much as Kerr was dismissed a couple of balls later in the next over from Thakur.
New Zealand beat India by 58 runs in their opening encounter
The Women in Blue were far from their best in this game and lost it by a significant margin of 58 runs to their opponents. This was not the ideal start for Kaur's girls in a tournament they hoped to win and emulate their male counterparts.
Batting first, the Kiwis set up a decent total of 160-4 on the board, thanks largely to their skipper Sophie Devine's heroics lower down the order. She remained unbeaten on 57 off just 36 deliveries.
Apart from Asha Shobhana, none of India's bowlers conceded less than six runs per over, and that is what perhaps cost them the game. In reply, India were bowled out for a measly 102 inside 19 overs, with none of their batters rising to the occasion.
Kaur's girls will have to pick themselves up before they take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday (October 6). This is a must-win game for India given that they are hoping to qualify for the playoffs and eventually aim for the title.