The third T20I match between India and South Africa changed into a spectacle of the sudden when play was halted as a consequence of an invasion of flying ants at SuperSport Park in Centurion. This incident, which occurred on November 13, 2024, showcased not solely the unpredictability of nature but additionally the distinctive challenges confronted on this planet of cricket.
A swarm of disruption in third T20I
As South Africa started their chase of a frightening goal of 220 runs, the match was interrupted simply after the primary over. Hundreds of flying ants had been noticed close to the floodlights, creating an uncommon distraction for gamers and umpires alike. Arshdeep Singh had simply bowled his first over when these bugs started to swarm, prompting umpires to seek the advice of with each workforce captains earlier than deciding to take the gamers off the sphere for security causes. The delay lasted roughly half-hour, throughout which floor workers employed vacuum cleaners in an try and clear the pitch of those pesky intruders.
Right here’s the video:
Play suspended as a consequence of FLYING ANTS! 🐜🤯 pic.twitter.com/pfeQsgpwDW
— Sky Sports activities Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 13, 2024
Additionally READ: SA vs IND: Netizens go gaga over Tilak Varma’s blistering ton towards South Africa in third T20I
Cricket’s uncommon interruptions which occurred earlier than
Cricket has at all times been riddled with controversies and weird incidents, and cricket is not any exception. Whereas rain delays and poor gentle are widespread interruptions, this specific incident is just not remoted; cricket has seen its justifiable share of weird interruptions over time. For example:
Air pollution halts play: In 2017, a Take a look at match between India and Sri Lanka in Delhi was repeatedly stopped as a consequence of hazardous air pollution ranges, with gamers affected by extreme respiratory difficulties. The state of affairs escalated to a public well being emergency, resulting in important delays
Blinding daylight: Throughout a Take a look at match between India and New Zealand at Napier in 2019, play was halted when Shikhar Dhawan complained about being blinded by the setting solar. Umpires acknowledged this unprecedented state of affairs, resulting in a break of over half-hour.
Bee swarm: In one other curious occasion in 2017, a swarm of bees invaded the pitch throughout a Pink ODI match in Johannesburg. Gamers had been instructed to lie down whereas floor workers labored to clear the world utilizing pesticides.
Whole photo voltaic eclipse: One of the vital exceptional delays occurred throughout a Take a look at match between India and England in 1980 when a complete photo voltaic eclipse led to the cancellation of play for a whole day as a consequence of security considerations.
Tilak Varma’s stellar efficiency takes India residence
Regardless of the interruption attributable to flying ants, India’s innings was highlighted by Tilak Varma‘s excellent efficiency. He scored a formidable 107 runs off simply 56 balls, marking his maiden worldwide century and serving to India set a formidable whole of 219 runs. His explosive batting included seven sixes and eight fours, showcasing his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Whereas flying ants might have precipitated an uncommon disruption throughout this T20I match, additionally they served as a reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature and the assorted challenges that gamers face on the sphere. As India took a 2-1 lead within the collection following their slender victory by 11 runs, followers had been left with yet one more memorable chapter in cricket historical past.
Additionally READ: SA vs IND: India overcomes Marco Jansen’s risk to safe a 2-1 lead within the T20I collection
