In a viral video, claims were made that a four from Virat Kohli was responsible for Suryakumar Yadav pulling off the sensational catch in India’s seven-run win in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. But did it actually play a role?
The validity of Suryakumar Yadav’s juggling blinder on the boundary to seal an incredible last-over victory for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa left opinions divided. While the umpires deemed the catch as clean, many on social media questioned its legality, claiming the fielder's shoe had flicked the boundary rope as he grabbed the ball.
Although the doubts over the legality of the catch were put to bed a few days later, thanks to a new angle released on social media, it was pointed out that the cushion of the boundary rope was seemingly moved back from its original position before the catch.
In another recent footage from the match doing rounds on social media, a South African fielder was seen pushing the boundary ropes while sliding to save a four by Virat Kohli in the first over against Marco Jansen. While the umpire signalled it as a boundary, many suggested Kohli’s shot indirectly played a role in Suryakumar’s contentious catch going India’s way, which ultimately firmed their grip on the trophy.
So that catch was possible bcz of Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/unYGFmWfmV
— abhi (@82AtTheG) July 8, 2024
On social media, many highlighted that the catch was taken at the opposite end of where Kohli had hit the four in the first over, dismissing the far-fetched claims.
Clearly not this one. If you see Miller's shot, the Emirates and Cricket 4 Good mat is behind him and Virat's shot went to that side. pic.twitter.com/LTEaiq0hiq
— Abhishek (@priestlysabbath) July 8, 2024
It would have been great🥶. But since this is the first over, Surya's catch will definitely be on the opposite side🌝
— Jaffrey Kiran (@JaffreyKiran1) July 8, 2024
What does the Law say?
The ICC Playing Conditions make it clear that it is the rope, not the white line, that constitutes the boundary. However, section 19.3 says: “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."
While there was no conclusive evidence that the rope might have been moved earlier in the contest, a closer look at the catch confirms that his foot was over the white line but just in front of the cushioning.
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