Sri Lanka's Gunathilaka given out obstructing the field
AFP
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Sri Lankan opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka on Wednesday joined the short list of players dismissed for obstructing the field in the first One Day International against the West Indies in Antigua. Gunathilaka became just the eighth player in more than 50 years of ODI cricket to be dismissed obstructing the field.
Seeking to regain his ground at the non-striker's end after turning down an opportunity for a single in the 22nd over off the bowling of home captain Kieron Pollard, Gunathilaka, who was moving backwards, kicked the ball out the path of Pollard who was attempting to effect a run out.
With the West Indies appealing for the dismissal, the on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Gregory Brathwaite turned to television official Nigel Duguid who ruled that the left-handed opener deliberately impeded the bowler.
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Clearly not pleased with the verdict, Sri Lanka's South African coach Mickey Arthur appeared to be seeking clarification on the ruling from Match Referee Sir Richie Richardson shortly after.
Gunathilaka's dismissal for 55 came with the Sri Lankans at 112 for two at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Gunathilaka had shared a 105-run opening stand with captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who fell to a stunning caught-and-bowled effort by Pollard two overs earlier.
Sri Lanka chose to bat first in the opening encounter, the first of a three-match series.
