Explained: Why India A was penalized 10 runs against Sri Lanka A
NEW DELHI: An unusual scene unfolded during the fourth match of the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla on Monday as Sri Lanka A’s scoreboard read 10/0 before their openers had even batted and the first ball of the chaser was bowled.India A, powered by half-centuries from Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam, posted a competitive 265 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. However, the highlight of the match came during Sri Lanka A’s innings when the hosts were awarded 10 runs without facing a delivery.
Why was Sri Lanka A awarded 10 runs vs. India A?
India A were penalized for running repeatedly in the protected area of the pitch during their innings.The first caution came in the 33rd over when all-rounder Anukul Roy was found guilty of running out through midfield. Two overs later, in the 35th over, Vipraj Nigam committed the same offense and received a second and final warning from the umpire.Under the laws, a second offense resulted in a five-time penalty being awarded to the fielding side, Sri Lanka A.However, Nigam repeated the offense again in the 37th over, resulting in another five-point penalty.As a result, Sri Lanka A effectively started their chase with 10 runs already on the board and the scoreboard read 10/0 before the first ball of their innings was bowled.
What do the rules say?
According to the Laws of Cricket, batsmen are not allowed to run on the protected area of the field intentionally or negligently.The referee will issue the first warning for such infringement. Any subsequent offense by the batting side results in a penalty of five runs.This rule exists because spikes can damage the surface and create rough spots or marks that could greatly affect the conditions later in the match.India A’s repeated breakthroughs therefore cost them 10 runs, all of which were added to Sri Lanka A’s total before the chase began.
Shedge, Saving Nigam India A
Earlier, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi again gave India A a flying start before he failed to convert into a substantial score. India A found themselves in deep trouble at 143/7 before spin-bowling all-rounders Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam launched a recovery campaign.Shedge top-scored with a composed 72 off 66 balls, while Nigam struck 51 off 49 deliveries as the duo guided India A to a competitive 265 after a middle-order collapse threatened to derail the innings.