During the first semifinal of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, which was played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, an unusual incident prevented Sri Lanka A’s top-order batsman Yashodha Lanka from continuing his innings. The third umpire declared him out under unusual happenings.
SL-A had a strong start in their quest for 136 in their allocated quota, which was further enhanced when Lanka’s partner, Lahiru Udara, hit a maximum off the opening ball of the seconds. But it was the events of a few subsequent deliveries that will continue to be discussed for ages to come.
A fullish delivery from Shahnawaz Dahani of Pakistan A was bowled outside the off-stump, and Udara attempted to smash it over the midwicket fence but mistimed it in the air.
As the hitters appeared to be attempting to steal a run off a misfield, Yashodha Lanka was busy studying the ball as he made his way back for the third run.
It just so happened that the ball was thrown towards him. The ball struck Lanka in the legs as he attempted to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.
Watch the video of the moment here:
Such a frustrating moment for Yashoda Lanka in the #EmergingAsiaCup! A clear path to the run, but an unexpected block on the field turned it around. Missed out on an easy score—could have been a game-changer. #Unfortunate #FairPlayNeeded #Cricket pic.twitter.com/nvrTSdOIPT
— KickBurst (@nkamalb) October 25, 2024
Both the wicketkeeper and a close-in fielder called for a potential infraction from the on-field umpires as soon as the ball touched the batter while he was outside the crease. It should come as no surprise that the third umpire took over the call and, following additional evaluation, ruled that Yashodha was out obstructing the pitch.
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Unfortunately, Yashodha was forced to walk off the pitch. He was removed for a 10-ball 11 in what might have been a knock that continued for a longer period of time.
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