Australia’s Georgia Wareham may be stoked she has a fielder like Ash Gardner after her “excellent catch” off an unfortunate delivery.
The third umpire became involved in the call during Australia’s T20 World Cup clash with Sri Lanka, after Hasini Perera skied a high full toss to the boundary.
Gardner then caught the ball behind her body but the decision wasn’t a certainty with the ball near Perera’s waist, which could have resulted in a no-ball.
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During the decision review process, Amazon Prime’s commentators explained all players had their height measured standing upright before the tournament began to assist with these calls.
Ash Gardner takes a catch to dismiss Hasini Perera. Amazon
The height was checked but because Perera was out of her crease the ball was ruled to have been 53cm below the waist if it reached the popping crease.
“I think she would’ve been disappointed with the delivery but as we all know some times poor balls get wickets,” Aussie great Lisa Sthalekar said.
“In the end, an excellent catch by Ash Gardner … a little bit surprised and relieved.”
Perera’s fall came with Sri Lanka 5-65 in the 16th over.
The side finished 7-93 after Megan Schutt finished with 3-12 from her four overs.
Schutt’s tally took her to 43 wicket in T20 World Cups, equaling the record with South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail.
Australia were off to a shaky start at 2-14 after Alyssa Healy and Wareham departed.
Alyssa Healy was bowled during Australia’s chase. AP
Ellyse Perry was then bowled at 3-35 to keep the Aussies nervous.
Eventually, Australia chase down the total in 14.2 overs, only four wickets down.
Beth Mooney finished with 43 not out.