India Women's T20 WC Match Overshadowed by Controversy Over Disputed Non-Run-Out Call From NZ's Kerr

New Zealand Women put a strong total of 160/4 in 20 overs in a Group stage ICC Women's T20 World Cup , led by Sophie Devine who scored an undefeated 57 off 36 balls. India Women responded by trying to reach the mark achieving only 102 runs in 19 overs because Rosemary Mair's outstanding bowling stats of 4/19 wre havoc. With Devine correctly named Player of the Match for her match-winning effort, New Zealand emerged triumphant by 58 runs.

Also Read: T20 WC: Harmanpreet Kaur Dejected Following Crushing Defeat vs NZ-W

India is enraged by Amelia Kerr's divisive non-run-out ruling during India Women's vs New Zealand Women's Team in the T20 World Cup

Amelia Kerr was almost on her way to the dugout in the first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Dubai on October 4 when the fourth umpire intervened and sent her back to the pitch. Under pressure against India, there was uncertainty over a possible run-out. Although officials decided the ball was "dead" when the expulsion took place, both sides thought Kerr had been removed after an effort at crossing over. This divisive choice left the Indian squad, especially head coach Amol Muzumdar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, clearly disappointed rather than celebrating a significant breakthrough.

Deepti Sharma's over to long-off had just struck Kerr's last ball, and she and Sophie Devine tried to grab a single as Harmanpreet recovered the ball. Although they agreed to try a second run, Kerr was caught short at the wicketkeeper's end. Richa Ghosh, who swiftly removed the bails, seemed to have Harmanpreet's throw ending Kerr's innings at 13.

But the next several seconds were disorganised. Deepti had asked the standing umpire for her headgear at the non-striker's end, and when Harmanpreet was ready to throw, Jacqualine Williams, the square-leg umpire, was busy re-tying her shoels. Deepti objected when Harmanpreet threw the ball, but the umpires decided the ball was not in play, therefore rendering an odd ruling nullifying the run-out. Officials attempted to persuade a dubious Harmanpreet of their rationale, but the wait ran eight minutes.

As Muzumdar spoke passionately with the fourth umpire, followed soon by an obviously angry Harmanpreet, the matter became more volatile. Eventually, Smriti Mandhana intervened to pull Harmanpreet away so play may start again.

When Devine returned, the uncertainty persisted as Kerr had been entitled to the strike after the last over but Renuka Thakur was in position for the next ball. Thakur's dismissal of Kerr on her second ball helped to partially ease India's anger, but the umpires' past errors continued to cause problems.

According to CricBuzz, the MCC's rule on dead ball states: 

the ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.

Most importantly, Article 20.1.1.1 says the ball is judged dead when 

"it is finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler."

India will now face Pakistan on Sunday, October 6, 2024. It is a must win situation for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team.