An unusual occurrence prevented Sri Lanka A’s top-order batter, Yashodha Lanka, from carrying on with his innings as he was declared out by the third umpire under unusual happenings in the first sem-final of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, being played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
In their pursuit of 136 in their allotted quota, SL-A had got off to a good start which became even better when Lanka’s partner, Lahiru Udara, banished a maximum off the very first delivery of the second over. However, it was what happened a couple of deliveries later which will remain the talking point for aeons to come.
Pakistan A’s Shahnawaz Dahani bowled a fullish delivery outside the off-stump which Udara tried to smash over the midwicket fence, only to mistime it in the air. While coming back for the third run due to what seems like the batters trying to steal a run off a misfield, Yashodha was busy ball-watching while making his way back. The ball, coincidentally, was thrown in his direction. In a bid to avoid getting hit, Lanka tried jumping his way out, only to get hit by the ball on his legs.
Watch the video of the moment here:
The moment the ball touched the batter while he was out of the crease was when a close-in fielder as well as the wicketkeeper appealed to the on-field umpires for a possible violation. Unsurprisingly, the decision was transferred to the third umpire, who after further assessment, declared Yashodha to be out obstructing the field.
As unfortunate as it was, Yashodha had to amble off the field. In what could have been a knock which could have gone on for a longer duration, he was dismissed for a 10-ball 11.