"We respect the decision of the umpire" - India's Jemimah Rodrigues on the 'harsh' dead-ball verdict against NZ in 2024 Women's T20 World Cup clash
India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has opined on the controversial deadball decision by the on-field umpires during the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup Group A clash against New Zealand. The incident happened during the final ball of the 14th over in the first innings at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, October 4.
New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr had attempted a second run, prompting Harmanpreet Kaur to launch a throw from long-off. The batter was caught short of the crease, resulting in a straightforward run-out. However, the umpires recalled Kerr, citing that Kaur threw the ball after the ball was dead, making the events after that, in this case, the throw and the run-out, defunct.
The bowler, Deepti Sharma, had already taken her cap from the umpire, which does not happen when the ball is still in play. It was far from a straightforward call, with all parties having something to say in their defense, hoping to take advantage of the gray area.
“I was not there when the umpire gave the cap to Deepti. I mean, New Zealand were pretty sure that it was a double run and Amelia Kerr showed that the over was not called out. We all thought, okay, we got that run out. Honestly, that’s not in our control, and we respect the decision of the umpire. It's a bit harsh when Amelia Kerr herself walked out because she knew she was out," Jemimah Rodrigues said during the post-match press conference.
Harmanpreet Kaur was far from pleased with the decision to recall Kerr and was involved in an animated discussion with the match officials. Even head coach Amol Muzumdar talked with officials by the boundary line seeking a satisfying clarification. All of this led to the play being halted for a few minutes.
The decision did not have a lasting impact on the contest as Kerr was dismissed just a couple of deliveries later by Renuka Singh Thakur. But the rule certainly needs refinement to avoid such a situation again.
"This wasn't the start we were expecting" - India captain Harmanpreet Kaur
New Zealand were placed at 99-3 in the 15th over when Kerr was dismissed. The Kiwis made the death overs count to hit the 160-run mark at the end of their first innings.
In reply, India put on a tame effort to be bowled out for just 102 runs in 19 overs, kickstarting their campaign with a heavy defeat.
"This is such a high stage where you can't make these mistakes. We have chased 160-170 many times. But on that pitch .. it was 10-15 runs too many. At one stage, the way they started, I was thinking it would be 180. This wasn't the start we were expecting," India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said during the post-match presentation.
India will next face arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday, October 6.