The world of cricket has been presented with something strange in the inaugural edition of 6IXTY women's competition as the audience witnessed the first-ever 'mystery' free-hit during the match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.
But the bizarreness of this free-hit was that the umpire signalled for it even before the bowler started her run-up. So how can an umpire call for such a free-hit before the delivery of the ball?
This is possible because of one of the new innovations in the new 6IXTY competition, where such a free hit is permitted. As per the tournament rules and regulations, in a first-of-its-kind move, fans will be given the chance to decide when the batting team will receive a power-up: the 'Mystery Free Hit'.
During this period, a batter won't be adjudged 'out' because of the free hit and the fans will decide the timing of Mystery Free Hit via voting. The regulations say, "fans will be able to vote to decide the timing of a 'Mystery Free Hit' in each innings."
This strange no-ball was seen on the opening day of the tournament, at the start of the third over in the Warriors' first innings. Knight Riders pacer Geetika Kodali was called for a no-ball even before her run-up.
So when Knight Riders' Geetika Kodali was on the top of her mark at the start of the third over, she was asked to stop by the official, who was alerted by the third umpire as it was decided that the ball will be a free hit for the Warriors.
Watch the video here:
But for the bowling team, the free-hit delivery Kodali had to bowl went for only two runs, which would've been a relief as they were forced to deliver it without any fault.
Talking about the game, Guyana Amazon Warriors won the game by 15 runs, thanks to Shamilia Connell, who picked up two wickets while giving up just 17 runs. They restricted the Trinbago Knight Riders to 66, to register the first victory.
