Netherlands penalised for ball-tampering during third ODI against Afghanistan

Controversy took center stage during the third ODI between Afghanistan and Netherlands on Tuesday (January 25). Netherlands were slapped with a five-run penalty by the umpires for ball-tampering. The penalty was handed down in the 31st over, which was bowled by right-arm pacer Brandon Glover. As the stand-in umpires found the condition of the ball changed unfairly, five runs were docked from Netherlands.

It must be noted that Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi demanded a change of ball after the incident came into the light. Now, who can forget the infamous sandpaper gate scandal in the 2018 Cape Town test where the Australian trio of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft faced bans? Hence, it remains to be seen if the International Cricket Council (ICC) takes any action against the Dutch team or not.

Rules regarding ball tampering

As per the law, “If the umpires consider that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed by a member or members of either side, they shall ask the captain of the opposing side if he/she would like the ball to be replaced.  If necessary, in the case of the batting side, the batters at the wicket may deputise for their captain.”

Speaking of how the game panned out, Afghanistan lost their in-form opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz with just 22 runs for the board. Nevertheless, debutant Riaz Hussan found a potent partner in Rahmat Shah and the duo steadied the ship with an 86-run stand for the second wicket. It was a memorable debut for Hassan as he scored 50 off 75 balls.

Coming to bat at number five, Najibullah Zadran showcased his blitzes and slammed boundaries for fun. He scored 71 off just 59 deliveries as Afghanistan posted 254/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Netherlands’ chase got off to a fine start with openers Scott Edwards and Colin Ackermann adding 103 runs for the first wicket.

However, a batting order collapse meant the Dutch side got bundled out for 179, losing the contest by 75 runs. This victory took Afghanistan to the fifth place in the ICC ODI Super League points table. On the other hand, Netherlands continue to languish at the 13th place.