A controversial run out during Australia’s thumping victory over Sri Lanka at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup has raised eyebrows, with footage of the incident circulating social media platforms on Wednesday.
In the 19th over of Australia’s innings at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park in South Africa, teenager Lucy Hamilton slapped a full delivery from Sri Lankan spinner Rashmi Nethranjalee towards long off, where Dulanga Dissanayake retrieved the ball.
Hamilton considered scampering through for a second run, but turned back after opting to stick with the single.
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However, the 16-year-old was impeded by Nethranjalee, who unintentionally backed into the Australia while preparing to receive Dissanayake’s throw from the boundary.
Dissanayake nailed a direct hit at the non-striker’s end with Hamilton comfortably out of her ground, and Sri Lanka’s cricketers started celebrating the run out.
Hamilton and teammate Amy Smith threw their arms up in protest, questioning whether the batter had been obstructed, but umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid awarded the dismissal. Sri Lanka elected not withdraw their appeal, and Hamilton returned to the sheds for 22 (12).
“I’ve seen some things on a cricket field, but I don’t think I’ve seen that one,” Charles Dagnall said in commentary.
According to the Laws of Cricket, umpires could only award a dead ball if they deemed the fielder’s actions to be intentional.
Law 41.5 states: “It is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batter after the striker has received the ball. It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or obstruction is wilful or not.”
The video of Hamilton’s dismissal received more than 211,000 likes on Instagram in under 14 hours.
Australia ultimately registered 5-159 from their 20 overs — Melbourne Renegades all-rounder Ella Hayward top-scored with 36 (31), while opener Sianna Ginger contributed 30 (31).
Sri Lanka was rolled for 51 in response, bundled out in 13 overs with seven Australian bowlers taking wickets. Hamilton wrapped up the match with a double-wicket maiden, finishing with figures of 2-0, while 15-year-old Maggie Clark also snared two wickets.
“We all back each other — when we keep it simple, we bowl our best,” Smith said after the match.
“Our team can beat any country here.”
Australia has qualified for the Super Six group stage, where they are expected to face India and the United Arab Emirates.
