New Delhi: A moment of high drama and controversy unfolded during the Tri-Nation A Series match between India A and Sri Lanka A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday, with India A fuming at a take-out that could have dramatically changed the course of the match.The incident occurred in the 42nd over of Sri Lanka A’s chase when Viraj Nigam bowled a long ball outside the off-stump to Shamika Karunaratne. The batsman stroked the ball towards backward point and set off for a quick single, only to be sent back at midwicket.As Karunaratne looked to regain his footing, a throw came towards the wicket-keeper’s end. To the naked eye, it looked to be a direct hit and Karunaratne looked wide of the crease.Team India’s players immediately burst into celebration, convinced that they had pulled off a decisive score at a critical stage of the chase.However, the drama was just beginning.The third umpire was called into action and replays revealed that wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh had inadvertently disturbed the stumps before the next throw touched them. Under the Laws of the Game, the run cannot proceed because the bails have already been displaced before the ball hits the stumps.
As a result, Karunaratne was ruled a no-go.The decision sparked angry reactions from the Indian camp. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was visibly unhappy and was seen engaging in a lengthy discussion with the on-field umpire. The Indian players seemed frustrated not only with the result but also with the speed in which the decision was reached.India believed the direct hit should have been counted and that Karunaratne, who was outside the crease, would have been comfortably run out had the stumps remained intact.
