For the second consecutive time, a white-ball match between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie, as the first ODI in Colombo on Friday went down to the wire. The match concluded without progressing to a super over, sparking questions about whether the umpires followed the correct procedures according to the ICC Men’s ODI Playing Conditions.
It has emerged as a reminder that the updated rules of ICC Men’s ODI Playing Conditions state that a super over will take place in case of a tie.
The rule explicitly states:
“If the Super Over is a tie, then unless exceptional circumstances arise subsequent super overs shall be played until there is a winner. Should it not be possible to play or complete the super overs needed to determine a winner, the match shall be tied.”
Interestingly, the 3rd T20I between India and Sri Lanka also resulted in a tie, but a super over was conducted, with India emerging victorious to seal the series 3-0.
“We should have got that one run” – Rohit Sharma after IND vs SL 1st ODI
Despite India having 14 balls to score the last run, they failed to seal the game. Skipper Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment over the batters not showing the required presence of mind in the critical moment. He elaborated at the post-match presentation:
“The score was gettable, just that you had to bat well to get there. We batted well in patches. Disappointed to not get 1 run with 14 balls, but won’t read [into it] too much. The bite was there at the start and then the ball became softer as the seam wore off. It was not a game where you can play your shots, [you] had to apply yourself and dig in. Proud of how we fought, it was important to hold our nerve. But we should have got that one run.”
The two sides are set to clash in the second ODI on Sunday at the same venue.
The incident has raised eyebrows and brought attention to the importance of adhering to playing conditions, ensuring that all matches are decided fairly and consistently.
