Deandra Dottin given out obstructing the field in bizarre dismissal as Sri Lanka seal ODI series

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In one of the most unusual dismissals in women’s cricket, West Indies veteran Deandra Dottin was given out for obstructing the field during the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday, a decision that proved pivotal as the visitors clinched the three-match series with a tense 14-run victory at the National Cricket Stadium, St Georges, Grenada.

The controversial moment occurred in the 30th over of West Indies’ chase, with the hosts requiring 94 runs for victory. Facing Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, Dottin attempted a sweep but missed a delivery that slid down the leg side and was called wide. The ball ricocheted off wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana’s pads and looped back towards the batter .

In a moment of apparent instinct, Dottin tapped the ball away with her bat before catching it with one hand. Sri Lankan fielders immediately appealed, believing Dottin deliberately handled the ball to prevent them from attempting a run-out or catch. After consultation between umpires Candace la Borde and Vrinda Rathi, the decision was referred upstairs, and Dottin was given out obstructing the field for 13 off 15 balls.

According to cricket’s Law 37 (obstructing the field), a batter is out if they wilfully attempt to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. The umpires must determine whether the batter’s action was deliberate or accidental .

In Dottin’s case, the match officials concluded that her action – tapping the ball and catching it – constituted a deliberate attempt to interfere with play, rather than an instinctive reaction to protect herself .

The dismissal left West Indies reeling at 116 for 6, compounding an already precarious chase. Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 208 in 47.1 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first.

Vishmi Gunaratne anchored the Sri Lankan innings with a composed 58 off 66 balls, her knock featuring five boundaries . Captain Chamari Athapaththu contributed 32, while Harshitha Samarawickrama added 35, helping the visitors reach a promising 166 for 4 in the 36th over .

However, West Indies’ bowlers fought back impressively, with Karishma Ramharack claiming 3 for 26 and Hayley Matthews taking 2 for 44 as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for just 42 runs .

In response, West Indies’ top order once again struggled against Sri Lanka’s disciplined spin attack. Matthews fell for 13, and Qiana Joseph departed for 16, leaving the hosts at 30 for 2 . Shemaine Campbelle (30) and Stafanie Taylor (27) attempted a rebuild, but both fell to spinner Inoka Ranaweera .

After Dottin’s controversial exit, 20-year-old Jannillea Glasgow produced her second consecutive half-century of the series, scoring an even 50 off 69 balls . She found brief support from Shawnisha Hector (11) and then forged a crucial 45-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Afy Fletcher (20), bringing West Indies within sight of victory .

With 18 needed off 22 deliveries, Fletcher perished attempting to take on Ranaweera, caught superbly by a substitute fielder . Glasgow continued fighting but was finally dismissed off the last ball of the 48th over, caught by Kavisha Dilhari at cover. The young batter crouched in despair, held up by her bat as Sri Lankan fielders celebrated their victory.

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The win has given Sri Lanka an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, marking their second consecutive bilateral ODI series win over West Indies. The hosts had broken a streak of four straight series defeats to Sri Lanka until 2024, but now find themselves trailing once again .

The first ODI ended in a similar fashion, with Sri Lanka defending 240 to win by just 10 runs after Inoka Ranaweera’s 4 for 44 dismantled the West Indies chase.

The third and final ODI will be played on Wednesday at the same venue, with West Indies seeking a consolation victory before both teams shift focus to the T20I series.

Also READ: Inoka Ranaweera guides Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over West Indies in the 1st Women’s ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.