Gautam Gambhir faces the prospect of his first series defeat as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, following Sri Lanka’s impressive performances in their ongoing three-match ODI series. After the thrilling finish of the first ODI, where the Lankan spinners dramatically forced a tie despite India being on the brink of victory, Sri Lanka continued their momentum by securing a 32-run victory in the second ODI.
This win has given Sri Lanka an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series, leaving India with no choice but to win the final ODI to avoid a series loss. As the final match of India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka approaches, the series includes a T20I segment where the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, achieved a 3-0 whitewash.
However, the controversy surrounding the first ODI remains a hot topic. The debate centers on the decision not to enforce a Super Over to resolve the tied match, a decision that deviated from what is generally expected in international cricket.
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According to a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official who spoke to Mid Day on the condition of anonymity, the option of a Super Over should have been available for the first ODI. This is in line with the ICC’s December 2023 ODI playing conditions, which state that all tied ODI matches should be settled by a Super Over unless conditions prevent it.
Clause 16.3.1.1 of these playing conditions specifies: “If the teams’ scores are equal after both innings have been completed, then a Super Over shall be played. If the Super Over is also tied, subsequent Super Overs shall be played until a winner is determined. Should it not be possible to play or complete the necessary Super Overs, the match shall be declared a tie.”
Gautam Gambhir hurt by breach of ICC rule? Shocking mistake by umpires leaves India in do-or-die spot in SL ODI series#GautamGambhir #TeamIndia #SLvsINDhttps://t.co/5HUW5CHjtI
— CrickIt (@CrickitbyHT) August 6, 2024
Despite this clear regulation, the Super Over was not implemented in the first ODI, and the match officials involved—Referee Ranjan Madugalle, On-field Umpires Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri, Reserve Umpire Ruchira Pallyaguruge, and TV Umpire Paul Reiffel—have yet to provide an official statement explaining the decision.
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The absence of a Super Over not only deprived fans of a decisive conclusion to the thrilling encounter but also denied both teams a chance to resolve the match on the field. If a Super Over had been played, it could have changed the dynamics of the series. India might have won the tie-breaker, as they did in the final T20I against Sri Lanka, potentially altering the series outcome. Conversely, Sri Lanka could have clinched the series early with a Super Over victory, rendering the final ODI inconsequential.
In a related update, an ICC official confirmed to The Morning Telegraph that if any future matches in the series end in a tie, a Super Over will be enforced as per the regulations. The official remarked, “Two wrongs won’t make one right,” underscoring the commitment to uphold the rules in subsequent games.
