NZ vs SL: Zing bail's battery failure gives Chamika Karunaratne massive reprieve as Sri Lanka all-rounder escapes run out scare

Cricket is known for its bizarre set of events that blow the minds of its followers and fans across the globe. From streakers steaming onto the field of play to animals causing frequent interruptions by making their presence felt the action between the two teams often gets away from the limelight.

A similar bizzare incident happened during the course of the first ODI between hosts New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, March 25 while Sri Lanka's star with the ball in the match Chamika Karunaratne got a massive reprieve. 

Karunaratne claimed 4/43 in his nine overs to limit the Kiwis to 274 and emerged as the pick of the bowlers for the Dasun Shanaka-led side. However, he was also required to render his services with the bat as the Sri Lankan batting order underwent a massive collapse. While facing Blair Tickner on the fourth ball of the 18th over Karunaratne scampered through for a quick single but fell short of his crease.

The decision was referred upstairs and to everyone's surprise he was adjuged not out because even though the bails were dislodged in time, the zing bails didn't light up due to battery failure and Karunaratne thanked his fortune.

Shakeel Khan Khattak@ShakeelktkKhan

Quiet unfortunate and hilarious incident ,, Bail dead battery save Chamika Karunaratne , he was clearly short of the crease but given Not Out, #NZvsSL #NZvSL #SLvsNZ

12:38 PM · Mar 25, 2023

20

Black Caps rout Lankan Lions in ODI opener

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and wanted to restrict New Zealand early but against their expectations the hosts went on to score 274 in 49.3 overs. It was a combined effort from the trio of Finn Allen (51), debutant Rachin Ravindra (49) and Daryl Mitchell (47) that helped the Tom Latham-side put up a good total.

In reply, Sri Lanka had a nightmarish experience with the bat as they got bundled out for 76. Henry Shipley was phenomenal with the ball in hand as the right-arm seamer bagged a match-winning five-wicket haul.

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