The third T20I match between India and South Africa changed into a spectacle of the surprising when play was halted because 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 in addition the distinctive challenges confronted on the earth 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. 1000’s of flying ants have 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 group captains earlier than deciding to take the gamers off the sector for security causes. The delay lasted roughly half-hour, throughout which floor employees employed vacuum cleaners in an try and clear the pitch of those pesky intruders.
Right here’s the video:
Play suspended because 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 in opposition to 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 mild are widespread interruptions, this explicit incident just isn’t remoted; cricket has seen its fair proportion of weird interruptions through the years. As an illustration:
Air pollution halts play: In 2017, a Take a look at match between India and Sri Lanka in Delhi was repeatedly stopped because of hazardous air pollution ranges, with gamers affected by extreme respiratory difficulties. The scenario 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 scenario, 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 have been instructed to lie down whereas floor employees labored to clear the realm utilizing pesticides.
Complete photo voltaic eclipse: One of the vital outstanding 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 complete day because of security considerations.
Tilak Varma’s stellar efficiency takes India house
Regardless of the interruption attributable to flying ants, India’s innings was highlighted by Tilak Varma‘s excellent efficiency. He scored a powerful 107 runs off simply 56 balls, marking his maiden worldwide century and serving to India set a formidable complete 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 could have induced an uncommon disruption throughout this T20I match, in addition they served as a reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature and the varied challenges that gamers face on the sector. As India took a 2-1 lead within the collection following their slim victory by 11 runs, followers have been left with one more memorable chapter in cricket historical past.
