India Women started their journey at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday (October 4) with the Group A match against New Zealand Women at Dubai. In their tournament opener, a big controversy erupted.

New Zealand Women chose to bat first after winning the toss. The controversial scene occurred during the important phase of the first batting.

A complete drama and chaos on Amelia Kerr's run out

New Zealand cricketers Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine were building a partnership at the controversial moment. It was the end of the 14th over when India just managed to break the partnership through a run-out of Kerr. 

Not only the Indian team was celebrating after the run-out on the striker's end, but Kerr was also sure about her run-out as she was moving to the dressing room. However, the fourth umpire stopped her due to a shocking incident at the ground.

The incident was that the umpires already called a dead ball that denied the second run of that ball. While there was a calm condition from the batting and fielding sides after the end of the first run, where Deepti was taking her cap from the non-striker end umpire, Kerr and Devine suddenly went for the second run. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was completely aware of the second run, and she threw the ball once that second run started. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh brilliantly worked to run out Kerr, but it was surprisingly denied by the umpires for a shocking and weird reason.

Just two balls later, Renuka Singh ultimately dismissed Kerr (13) but the controversy couldn’t be fed away.

Ashwin: Whose fault is this really? 

Indian men’s national cricket team star Ravichandran Ashwin expressed that controversial situation by raising the question, “The over was called before the start of the second run. Whose fault is this really? @prithinarayanan." 

Captain Sophie Devine’s unbeaten 57 runs and the solid opening partnership helped New Zealand Women to score 160/4 in 20 overs.