NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals‘ dramatic last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League was marred by two contentious run-out decisions, sparking debate among fans and experts.
Arundhati Reddy sealed a tense two-wicket win by scrambling a two off the final delivery, but the focus remained on the two third-umpire calls that left many questioning the interpretation of the rules.
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With 25 runs needed from 15 deliveries, Shikha Pandey attempted a risky bye after missing a shot but was sent back by non-striker Niki Prasad. A direct hit at the striker’s end saw Pandey stretching to make her ground, and at the moment the LED stumps lit up, she appeared to be short.
However, after a lengthy review, third umpire Gayathri Venugopalan ruled Pandey not out, basing the decision on when the bail was completely removed from the groove rather than when the lights first illuminated.
A near-identical incident occurred seven balls later, with Radha Yadav attempting a quick single before being sent back. Despite a desperate dive, replays showed her bat hovering above the crease when the LED lights first flashed. Yet, by the time the bails were fully dislodged, her bat had made contact with the ground. Once again, the third umpire deemed her safe.
The decisions left MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur visibly frustrated, as she engaged in discussions with the on-field umpires. To add to Mumbai’s woes, Yadav struck a six on the very next ball, significantly easing the chase.
According to the WPL playing conditions, both run-outs could have been given out. The rules state: “Where LED wickets are used, the moment at which the wicket has been put down shall be deemed to be the first frame in which the LED lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps.”
Despite the controversy, Delhi Capitals celebrated a crucial win, but the debate over run-out protocols in the WPL is unlikely to die down anytime soon.