SL vs IND: Umpires correct 2019 World Cup final-like mistake in opening T20I at Pallekele

India and Sri Lanka kicked off their white-ball series by facing off in the first T20I. Both sides faced off at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, July 27, and while the clash had many memorable moments, there was one that reminded the fans of the controversial 2019 ODI World Cup final between New Zealand and England. 

On the first ball of the 12th over, Hardik Pandya bowled to Pathum Nissanka, and as the batter played the shot towards the square leg, he completed his fifty by running two runs. However, a direct hit at the stumps from one of the fielders took the ball to the boundary, which meant that Sri Lanka got six runs from the ball.

However, as the umpires checked the replays, they found out the batters hadn’t crossed when the fielder released the ball and hence awarded five runs to Sri Lanka instead of two. This moment was quite similar to when a throw by Martin Guptill hit Ben Stokes’ hand and the ball traveled to the boundary during the ODI World Cup 2019 final.

At that moment, England were awarded six runs, which helped them eventually win the game and lift their first World Cup title. According to Law 19.8 of the playing conditions of the tournament, both batters had to cross before Guptill released the ball for the umpires to consider the one extra run.

The moment was not checked with replays during the World Cup final as a dismissal hadn’t taken place, like in the first T20I between Sri Lanka and India. During the World Cup final, the umpires awarded six runs to England in a historic decision. Furthermore, after the game, Kumar Dharamsena also came forward and apologized for making the mistake.

Speaking of the game between Sri Lanka and India, the Men in Blue posted a total of 213 runs in the first innings and aiming to chase that, Sri Lanka got off to a brilliant start. However, the excellence of India’s bowling attack in the latter stages of the game saw the hosts getting bundled out for 170 as India won the game by 43 runs.