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

The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka marked the start of their white-ball series. At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, July 27, both teams squared off. While there were many memorable moments from the match, one in particular brought back memories of the contentious 2019 ODI World Cup final between New Zealand and England for the spectators.

Pathum Nissanka was bowled by Hardik Pandya on the opening ball of the twelfth over. The hitter played the stroke towards the square leg and ran two runs to complete his fifty. Nevertheless, the ball reached the boundary after a fielder struck it squarely at the stumps, giving Sri Lanka six runs off of it.

The umpires, however, saw that the batters had not crossed when the fielder released the ball, therefore they decided to review the replays and gave Sri Lanka five runs instead of two. This scene was very similar to the ODI World Cup 2019 final, when Ben Stokes’ hand was struck by a toss from Martin Guptill and the ball went to the boundary.

At that point, England was given six runs, which enabled them go on to win the World Cup and the game. For the umpires to consider the one extra run, both batters had to cross before Guptill launched the ball, in accordance with Law 19.8 of the tournament’s playing regulations.

Replays of the World Cup final were not consulted since, unlike in the opening T20I between Sri Lanka and India, there had not been a dismissal.

In a momentous ruling during the World Cup final, the umpires gave England six runs. In addition, Kumar Dharamsena expressed regret for his error in coming forward following the game.

Also Read: SL vs IND 2024: Sri Lanka vs India, 1st T20I – Who Said What?

Speaking about the Sri Lankan-Indian game, Sri Lanka got off to a great start with the Men in Blue posting a total of 213 runs in the first innings and looking to chase that. However, the hosts were bowled out for 170 as India won the match by 43 runs because to their outstanding bowling attack in the later half of the match.