Thiruvananthapuram: South African cricket umpire Marais Erasmus, who officiated during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final between England and New Zealand, has opened up about his umpiring decisions that may have cost the Kiwis their maiden 50-over World Cup title in 2019. This includes a controversial decision regarding six runs awarded to England after the ball made contact with Ben Stokes bat while running and went towards the boundary.
During the regular match between New Zealand and England, the game ended in a draw, leading to a super over. In the final over of the match, England required 15 runs, with Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid was in the crease. On the fourth ball of the over, Stokes and Rashid managed to complete a double run. However, before Stokes could reach his crease, the throw from Martin Guptill deflected off Stokes bat and raced to the boundary. This resulted in England being awarded six runs by the on filed umpires Marais Erasmus , reducing their required runs to win from three in two balls.
According to ICC rules, only five runs should have been awarded as both batsmen had not completed the second run when Guptill’s throw made contact with Stokes bat. This decision proved crucial as it reduced England’s required runs to win from nine in three balls to three in two balls. Ultimately, the match and the subsequent super over ended in a tie, with England winning their maiden title due to having scored more boundaries throughout the match.
Years later, retired umpire Marais Erasmus confessed to the mistake in an interview with the Telegraph, acknowledging the error that cost the Kiwis the title.
Umpire Simon Taufal also voiced opposition to the decision made by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Marais Erasmus. Despite the realisation of their error, the umpires proceeded with the ruling, ultimately impacting the outcome of the match.
Reflecting on the controversy, Erasmus revealed a candid conversation with Kumar Dharmasena the morning after the final, in which they acknowledged the gravity of their mistake. However, the decision had already been made, and the consequences were irreversible.
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