Dharmasena admits to ‘6 run mistake’ in World Cup Final

Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena who awarded England six runs from a overthrow in the last over of the 2019 World Cup final has admitted he made a mistake and should have given one run fewer, a report said.

An overthrow at the stumps deflected off the bat of Ben Stokes as he attempted to complete a second run and bowl raced to the boundary, with Dharmasena awarding six runs. At the end of 50 overs scores were tied as England reached 241 all out replying to New Zealand's 241/8. It took the World Cup final to a Super Over which again was tied but England lifted the trophy on ground of having scored more boundaries

Cricket experts, including former leading umpire Simon Taufel, said England should have been awarded five runs, as the batsmen had not crossed for the second run at the moment the ball was thrown.

According to a report in Sunday Times, Dharmasena said he did not have the benefit of television replays which showed the batsmen had not crossed.

"I agree that there was an error of judgement when I see it on TV replays now," said Dharmasena, who was umpiring the final with South Africa's Marais Erasmus.

"But we did not have the luxury of TV replays at the ground and I do not regret the decision I made."

Sri Lankan umpire said he signalled six after consulting the other match officials. "So, I did consult the leg umpire (Erasmus) through the communication system which is heard by all other umpires and the match referee.”

"While they cannot check TV replays, they all confirmed that the batsmen have completed the second run. This is when I made my decision."