Controversy Engulfs IND vs NZ T20 World Cup Match; Umpire's Decision Agonises Harmanpreet Kaur

A controversial moment emanated in the India vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup match as Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr tried to sneak a tight run but were caught red-handed by India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Indian captain painstakingly threw the ball at the wicket-keeper's end. Richa Ghosh collected it and whipped the bails. It appeared that Amelia Kerr has been dismissed as she was short of the crease but the umpire declared it a dead ball, resulting in a livid reaction from Kaur.

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Controversial Engulfed India vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup Match

The instance took place on the final delivery of 14th over when Amelie Kerr chipped one to the long on and took a single. The ball was fielded by Harmanpreet Kaur, who did not throw at either end. Witnessing the stagnation of action the umpire called it "over" and also returned the cap to bowler Deepti Sharma. However, Sophie Devine saw Harmanpreet keeping the ball with her as an opportunity to steal a run and hence signaled her partner, Kerr, to run. Aware of Devine's intention, Kaur diligently threw the ball to Richa Ghosh, who removed the bails. Kerr was short of the safe zone and hence Indian players started to celebrate.

The replays clarified that Kerr was indeed out of her crease when the bails were removed. Thus, it was out, right? No, it wasn't in this case. Umpires intervened and declared the ball to be dead. As the action culminated after the umpire had called it "over" any endeavor to steal a run did not count and hence the run-out dismissal also did not stand.

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Harmanpreet Kaur Loses Cool

Umpire's decision angered Harmanpreet Kaur, prompting her to indulge in an animated chat with the on-field officials. But it wasn't of any use as the not-out decision stood.

The drama did not echo much value as Amelie Kerr eventually held out in the next over.

Batting first New Zealand finished at 160/4, thanks to a solid 61-run opening stand from Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, which was followed up by Sophie Devine's incredible 57-run knock.