CWG 2022: Why was Shafali Verma adjudged not-out despite being out of the crease?

The blockbuster opening clash between Australia and India in the Commonwealth Games 2022 lived up to the billing as the World Champions prevailed in a thrilling encounter to defeat India by three wickets. While the game had several eye-catching moments, fans were bewildered after an incident involving Indian opening batter Shafali Verma in the first innings.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bat. The pair of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a decent start, but the latter was dismissed in the fourth over of the match. Shafali continued with her big shots and ensured that India did not lose the momentum. The explosive opener lived a charmed life at the crease and had a huge slice of luck when India’s score was 65/1.

The 18-year-old was completely deceived by a Tahlia McGrath delivery and the Aussie wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy did not waste any time in whipping off the bails as the Indian batter’s feet were outside the crease. Interestingly, the decision was referred to the third umpire, and after pondering over the replays, the umpire gave it not out.

According to the rules, the player should make contact with the stumps or bails with the hand holding the ball. But, Healy had removed the bails with her right hand whilst holding the ball in her left hand. The Indian survived for the time being but was dismissed after adding 14 more runs to her tally, finishing with 48.

Ashleigh Gardner downs India with a splendid batting display

India finished the innings on a high thanks to skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s combative half-century, which pushed India’s tally to 154/8 in their 20 overs. Jess Jonassen was the pick of the Australian bowlers, scalping four wickets, and conceding just 22 runs.

Chasing a par score, the Women in Yellow stumbled after some penetrative bowling from the Asian side, and were falling behind in the match until Gardner took things into her own hands and smashed a match-winning 52* off 35 deliveries to seal an unlikely victory for the tournament favourites.