T20 cricket leagues are always full of drama and excitement but cricket fans witnessed a unique incident in the Big Bash League game between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.
The ball hit the roof at the Docklands Stadium, Melbourne twice and the umpire ended up signaling six on both the occasions despite the ball landing in the 30-yard circle.
Melbourne Stars awarded six runs twice despite the ball not crossing the boundary line
Melbourne Stars faced Melbourne Renegades at the Docklands Stadium in Saturday’s evening game. Due to the hot weather in Melbourne, the roof of the stadium was closed which led to a bizarre incident helping Melbourne Stars in their chase.
Melbourne Star’s innings, wicket-keeper batter Joe Clark smashed a delivery from Renegades pacer Will Sutherland into the closed roof of the stadium during the third over of the chase. Sutherland had bowled a change of pace delivery and successfully deceived Joe Clark who swung across the line way too early. The top edge allowed the ball to hit the stadium roof and then it landed in the mid-wicket region. As per the rules, it was signaled as six by the on-field umpire.
Melbourne Renegades’ misery didn’t end here as the same strange incident happened again in the 16th over of Stars’ chase. This time Beau Webster smashed Tom Rodgers as the ball skied straight up as the bowler expected a wicket opportunity. However, the ball hit the roof again and was signaled six which could have been an easy dismissal for the Renegades.
Beau Webster sends ANOTHER one into the Marvel Stadium roof – and that'll be another SIX runs!! 🤯#BBL12 pic.twitter.com/3YdMNv0cLv
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2023
The commentators too looked surprised as they said, ” It should not be signaled as six runs. 12 runs can make a big difference in this game.” The fielding team looked seriously disappointed after witnessing the same incident twice.
Despite getting these bonus runs, Melbourne Stars missed out on the chase even though they looked like cruising easily at one point in time. Melbourne Stars fell short by six runs in response to Melbourne Renegades’ total of 162 courtesy of a great spell by Kane Richardson who took two crucial wickets and gave away just 17 runs in his four-over spell.