The semi-final match of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 is being played between India and Afghanistan. During the match, a moment occurred when a mistake by the Indian team resulted in five penalty runs being awarded to Afghanistan. Interestingly, the bowler had delivered a dot ball, but wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu failed to stop the ball properly, leading to the opposing team receiving five penalty runs.
This incident happened on the last ball of the 17th over, when bowler Deepesh Devendran bowled a dot ball to Afghan batsman Faisal Shinwari. The ball didn't bounce much, which confused wicketkeeper Abhigyan, and the ball struck his helmet, which was lying on the ground.
IND vs AFG U19, 5 Runs Penalty
The incident wasn't limited to the ball hitting the helmet; the ball rolled towards the boundary line. Although the ball was technically dead after hitting the helmet, the umpire signaled four runs. As soon as the umpire signaled four runs, the commentator remarked that the umpire might have to reverse his decision. Ultimately, only five penalty runs were awarded. Thus, Team India lost five runs due to this error.
Under which rule were the penalty runs awarded?
According to Section 28.3.2 of the rules established by the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), the governing body of cricket, if the ball hits a helmet placed on the field by the fielding team, the umpire awards five penalty runs to the batting team.
IND vs AFG U19 Semifinals
Both teams will be looking to win their semi-final match and secure a place in the final. The India and Afghanistan Under-19 teams are facing each other at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. This is the second semi-final. England has already won the first semi-final. The team that wins this second semi-final will face England in the final on Friday, February 6th. The final match will also be played at the Harare Sports Club. It will be interesting to see who England faces in the final.
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