New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Dead battery saves Chamika Karunaratne from getting run-out in 1st ODI

There have been a number of bizarre incidents occurring on the cricket field over the years, including play getting stopped due to ball getting too hot after landing on a frying pan. There are also some instances where batters survive getting dismissed when the bails refuse to budge.

The first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka witnessed Chamika Karunaratne survive a run-out in a rather unique manner — due to the zing bails refusing to light up due to a dead battery.

The incident occurred during the 18th over of Sri Lanka’s chase of the 275-run target, with Karunaratne guiding the ball towards mid on off Blair Tickner. The bowling all-rounder got involved in a mix-up while attempting a second run, and had to dive at the non-striker’s end after aborting the run, falling well short by the time Tickner broke the stumps.

Karunaratne was preparing to head back to the dressing room when he was told by the umpires to stay back with the TV umpire, much to everyone’s surprise and New Zealand’s dismay, ruled it in favour of the batting side because one of the bails did not light up due to battery trouble.

Not out