WATCH: Bizarre Bail Incident that gave Chamika Karunaratne second life in New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODI opener

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: As technology advances, some unavoidable issues arise that can cause significant disruption. Cricket technology is no exception, as there have been numerous errors in decision-making. On Saturday, March 25, a similar bizarre incident occurred during the first ODI between hosts New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne survived a run-out despite the bails dislodging in time because the zing bails did not light up due to battery failure.

WATCH: Chamika Karunaratne gets second life as Zing bail’s battery fail

During the fourth ball of the 18th over, Karunaratne tried to steal a quick single but knew he was well short of the ground as Blair Tickner received the ball and dislodged the bails. Much to Chamira’s fortune, the bails did not light up because of a battery failure, following which Karunaratne completed the run.

The umpires refereed to the 3rd umpire, but the 26-year-old was given not out.

Players and many of the fans got confused during the game as the rule states that if bails fail to light up then batter cannot be given out, no matter if he/she is out of their crease.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: 1st ODI Highlights

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and wanted to restrict New Zealand early but against their expectations the hosts went on to score 274 in 49.3 overs. It was a combined effort from the trio of Finn Allen (51), debutant Rachin Ravindra (49) and Daryl Mitchell (47) that helped the Tom Latham-side put up a good total.

Despite this bizarre reprieve, the New Zealand-Sri Lanka game went down in the host’s favour as they dominated by a big margin to take the lead in the first match of the series. Putting up a decent total of 274, the visitors faltered for just 76 as they couldn’t stand against Henry Shipley who picked up a fifer.

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