After India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 title with a seven-run win over South Africa, a catch by Suryakumar Yadav in the final over stirred controversy.
The 33-year-old cricketer secured the victory at Kensington Oval, Barbados, with a remarkable catch in the last over, dismissing David Miller when South Africa needed 16 runs to win.
Read more: India Won T20 World Cup Final, Beating South Africa by Seven runs
Miller hit a full toss from Hardik Pandya for what seemed a certain six, but Suryakumar made a spectacular catch, considered the tournament’s best. Running back, he juggled the ball, stepped over the boundary ropes to avoid touching them, jumped back in, and completed the catch, sealing India’s win.
The decision went to third umpire Richard Kettleborough, who quickly reviewed and upheld the catch, ending Miller’s innings and South Africa’s hopes of their first title.
Following the victory, a debate erupted on social media, with some alleging Suryakumar’s shoe touched the boundary ropes during the catch.
There were also claims that the boundary ropes were misaligned before the decisive catch.
According to ICC playing conditions, the boundary is marked by the cushion, not the white line, as per Section 19.3: “If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason, then the boundary shall be considered to be in its original position.”
Critics argued that the boundary rope should have been repositioned. Section 19.3.2 states: “If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason, the object shall be returned to its original position as soon as is practicable; if play is taking place, this shall be as soon as the ball is dead.”
