T20 World Cup, India vs New Zealand: Here's why Harmanpreet Kaur was furious with umpire over Amelia Kerr run-out controversy

An eccentric incident transpired during the first innings of Match 4 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 between India Women and New Zealand Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Amelia Kerr and skipper Sophie Devine were out in the middle and were getting accustomed to the conditions.

On the last delivery of the 14th over with Deepti Sharma bowling, Kerr laced her shot through the extra-cover region. Harmanpreet Kaur, fielding the ball, didn't throw the ball back to either the bowler or the keeper as she jogged with the ball in her hands towards the 30-yeard circle. Devine, who was quick to observe what the skipper of the Indian side was up to, quickly called for a double. 

However, Kerr was a bit slow to respond to the call as Richa Ghosh collected the ball on the bounce and quickly leapt her way towards the stumps to catch Amelia Kerr out of her crease. The Kiwi all-rounder started her walk back to the pavilion but was stopped by the fourth umpire, who had called the ball a dead ball. This led to a lengthy delay in play, as Harmanpreet and various members of the Indian staff argued with match officials about the decision they had adjudged.

Furthermore, away from the field, over social media, the star India off-spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin too noticed the matter and put forth his views by questioning whose fault it was. Ashwin seemingly questioned the umpire's motive and came in full support of India Women skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur. In fact, he pointed out that probably the umpire had called off the over before the second run was attempted in a rather mysterious manner. However, this led to a heated debate on the standard of umpiring in a global event like the Women's T20 World Cup.

Check out the controversial runout moment and Ashwin's post here:

The over was called before the start of the second run🤝.

Whose fault is this really? @prithinarayanan pic.twitter.com/67gqmPNfCq

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 4, 2024

Why Harmanpreet Kaur was dissatisfied with the final decision?

An energetic exchange of words ensuing the not-put decision followed between Harmanpreet and the two on-field umpires. The case that Harmanpreet was trying to make was that she only threw the ball due to the Kiwi batters trying to sneak an additional run. Therefore, Kerr should have been declared run-out regardless of whether the over was called or not.

Also Read- Winning the World Cup has always been a dream for Harmanpreet Kaur: Shafali Verma

Head coach of India Women, Amol Muzumdar, was left displeased with the decision and was seen engaging in an animated chat with the fourth umpire on the sidelines.