India A vs Sri Lanka A: Direct Hit, Stumps Uprooted, Yet Not Out? Indian Players Furious Over Sri Lankan Umpire’s Call in Dambulla

A rare and controversial run-out decision became the main talking point during the first match of the tri-series between India A and Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. The game, played on Tuesday, June 9, was won by India A by eight runs after they defended 277/6. Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 269 in 48.5 overs while chasing the target.

The incident unfolded in the 42nd over of Sri Lanka A’s innings when Chamika Karunaratne played a delivery outside off stump softly toward backward point and tried to take a quick single. He was sent back by his partner and turned to return to the crease. An Indian fielder quickly threw the ball toward the wicketkeeper’s end, and at first glance it appeared to be a direct-hit run out. The decision was referred to the third umpire.

The replay, however, changed the outcome. It showed that wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh had dislodged the bails with his gloves before the ball reached the stumps. Moments later, the throw struck the stumps, but by then the bails were already off. Under cricket laws, a run out can be given only if the wicket is broken by the ball or by the wicketkeeper/fielder while the bails are still in place, so the third umpire ruled Karunaratne not out.

The decision left the Indian players visibly frustrated, and they were seen speaking with the on-field umpires. But there was no scope to change the call because the footage clearly showed the bails had come off before the ball hit the stumps. The unusual part of the play was that after hitting the stumps, the ball ricocheted away, allowing the Sri Lankan batters to steal an extra run through overthrows. In one delivery, Sri Lanka A not only survived a possible wicket but also gained an additional run.

The video of the incident quickly spread on social media, with fans calling it one of the strangest run-out dismissals they had seen. While many viewers were confused by the ruling, those familiar with the laws of cricket said the third umpire’s decision was technically correct. The episode became the most widely discussed moment of the match and added extra drama to an already tense contest.

Another detail that drew attention was the officiating panel. All the umpires in the match were from Sri Lanka. Ravindra Wimalasiri and Ravindra Kottahachchi served as the on-field umpires, Hemanta Boteju was the third umpire, and Manoj Mendis acted as match referee. This led to further discussion after the controversial decision, as Indian players appeared unhappy with how the incident was handled.

In the end, the match will be remembered not only for India A’s narrow victory, but also for a bizarre run-out controversy that sparked debate over cricket rules, umpiring, and the role of technology in close decisions.