"Maybe stalled them a little bit" - Sophie Devine reckons dead ball controversy affected India's rhythm in 2024 Women's T20 World Cup match

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine reckons the dead ball controversy around Amelia Kerr may have impacted India's momentum in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai on Friday, October 4. Sharing her thoughts on the much-debated issue, the veteran cricketer said that the umpires take the final call.

The White Ferns hammered the Women in Blue by 58 runs in a Group A match of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, coming up with a dominant all-round effort. The match, however, witnessed a huge controversy as Kiwi all-rounder Kerr was 'run out' in the 14th over. The umpires, however, called her back and informed the Indian team that the ball was 'dead'.

Speaking after New Zealand's thumping win, skipper Devine shared her thoughts on the controversy and claimed that it might have unsettled the Indians to an extent. She said (as quoted by PTI):

"Yeah it was an interesting one probably broke a little bit of momentum (of India) and maybe stalled them a little bit. But I think that's part of cricket isn't it, people's interpretations are always going to be slightly different."

The Indians were displeased with the on-field call over Kerr. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Amol Muzumdar were both seen having animated chats with match officials. Devine opined that it is important to respect whatever decision the umpires have made. The 35-year-old commented.

"I guess my understanding of it is when the umpire calls over and I never heard the umpire call over but obviously that's up to the umpire's discretion in terms of when they think the ball's dead..."

"For us, trying to pinch runs here and there, you never know when that one run might count but, yeah look, trust the umpires and obviously they made the call at the end of the day, that's their job, it's not really any of my business, they're the ones that have to apply, I just sort of sometimes push the boundaries a little bit with it." she went on to add.

Kerr, however, could not make use of the reprieve she received under controversial circumstances. The right-handed batter was dismissed soon after for 13 off 22 balls, caught at cover off Renuka Singh's bowling.

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Sophie Devine led from the front in New Zealand's win over India

Batting first after winning the toss, New Zealand posted 160-4 on the board in their 20 overs. Devine led from the front with an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls, a knock that featured seven fours.

Earlier, openers Georgia Plimmer (34) and Suzie Bates (27) added 67 in 7.4 overs. In the chase, the Kiwis held India to 102 in 19 overs. Pacer Rosemary Mair starred with 4-19, while Lea Tahuhu claimed 3-15 and off-spinner Eden Carson 2-34.