AUS-W vs SA-W: On-Field Umpire Raises Finger Despite 3rd Umpire’s Not Out Confirmation, Video Goes Viral

The on-field umpire mistakenly upheld a wrong decision even after the third umpire communicated that the correct decision was 'not out.' Watch the video capturing this incident.

A blunder from the on-field umpire leaves players in splits during the AUS-W vs SA-W 2nd ODI on February 7, 2024.

Source : Screengrab from a video on X/@cricketcomau

South Africa Women are up against Australia Women in the ODI leg of their tour to Australia. In the second ODI, led by Alyssa Healy, Australia won the toss at the North Sydney Oval and elected to field, inviting the Proteas Women to bat first. The Laura Wolvaardt-led South African side managed to set a target of 229 runs on the board in 45 overs. However, a noteworthy incident during the South African batting innings drew everyone’s attention, involving a major goof-up by the on-field umpire, the video of which has gone viral on social media.

The incident took place on the last delivery of the 24th over. Sune Luus of South Africa attempted a sweep shot on the last delivery of Ashleigh Gardner's over, but the ball slipped beneath her bat and struck her front pad. Despite the Australians appealing, umpire Claire Polosak initially stood firm in her decision ‘not out’. The fielding side opted for a review, and ball-tracking indicated that Luus had been hit outside the line of the off-stump.

The TV umpire instructed Claire to stick with her original decision of ‘not out’. However, instead of signalling ‘not out’, she raised her finger signalling ‘out’, much to the surprise of the Australian fielders. The entire field erupted into laughter, with both Aussie players and spectators finding amusement in the situation. Claire, sporting a smile, was quick to realise her fault and promptly corrected her mistake, adding a light-hearted moment to the game.

Watch The Hilarious Video Of Umpire’s Blunder:

When you get the call right ... but the signal wrong! 🤣🤣#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/wfZPD1Z761

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 7, 2024

South Africa Women Level The Series

In the AUSW vs SAW 2nd ODI, the match unfolded with Australia Women managing to restrict their South African counterparts to 229-6 in 45 overs. Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner played a pivotal role, each claiming two wickets. However, when it came to Australia's batting innings, they struggled to find the right rhythm, consistently losing wickets. The entire team collapsed at 149 in just 29.3 overs, resulting in South Africa Women levelling the series 1-1.