Jemimah Rodrigues breaks silence on the run-out controversy between India and New Zealand in T20 World Cup

India's middle order batter Jemimah Rodrigues opened up about the run-out controversy that surrounded the match between India and New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match in Dubai.

During the last ball of the 14th over of the first innings when New Zealand Women were batting, Amelia Kerr drove a ball bowled by Deepti Sharma towards Harmanpreet Kaur at long off. Both Kerr and Sophie Devine, who was at the non-striker's end, took the available single.

However, realizing the opportunity, Devine pushed Kerr for a second run even if it was unavailable. Harmanpreet quickly threw the ball towards the striker's end where wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh dislodged the stumps with Amelia Kerr well out of the crease.

But after some long consultation, the umpire termed it a dead ball as the cap was being handed to the bowler Deepti Sharma when the throw came in. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was not happy with the decision and argued for some time but all in vain.

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Jemimah Rodrigues breaks silence on run-out controversy

While speaking at the post-match press conference, Jemimah Rodrigues narrated the whole incident. Jemimah Rodrigues claimed that Kerr was trying to steal the second run and was eventually run out, which had the Indian players celebrating for the wicket.

“I was not there when the umpire gave the cap to Deepti. I mean, New Zealand were pretty sure that it was a double run and Amelia Kerr showed that the over was not called out. We all thought, okay, we got that runout," Jemimah Rodrigues said.

Jemimah Rodrigues further admitted that such decisions are not in their control but claimed that Amelia Kerr knew that she had been run out.

“Honestly, that’s not in our control, and we respect the decision of the umpire. It's a bit harsh when Amelia Kerr herself walked out because she knew she was out," the 24-year-old added.

Kerr even started walking back to the dressing room after seeing herself run out but was stopped by the umpires. After a long discussion, she was called back as the umpires had deemed the ball dead.

India head coach Amol Muzumdar, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana all tried to persuade the umpires but a final decision had been made. In the end, the players decided to carry on and respected the umpire's decision.

However, Amelia Kerr was dismissed just two balls later in the next over by seam bowler Renuka Singh for just 13 off 22 balls. Kerr was caught at the covers by Pooja Vastrakar.

New Zealand Women Thrash India Women

Meanwhile, New Zealand Women outclassed India Women to collect important points in Group A, which is also the group of death in this tournament. New Zealand scored an above-par 160-4 in the first innings thanks to skipper Sophie Devine's brilliant 57 off 36 balls.

In reply, India were bowled out for just 102 in 19 overs. It was a disappointing performance from the Indian batters who struggled under the floodlights of Dubai. Rosemary Mair finished with 4-19 while the experienced Lea Tahuhu finished with 3-15.