Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka defeated Australia in the third game of the five-match One Day International series. With the help of Pathum Nissanka’s century, Sri Lanka is now leading the series by 2-1. Despite a decent ODI game on the stage, it was Kumar Dharmasena, the umpire, who stole the show in Colombo.
During Australia’s batting innings, wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey played a lofted shot over square leg, where umpire Dharmasena was standing. Seeing the ball coming towards him, the cricketer turned umpire couldn’t stop himself from going for a catch. Although, the 51-year-old quickly switched back to the umpire role and let the ball go in its way.
The picture of Dharmasena seeking a catch has gone viral, as the official Twitter handle of Cricket Australia aka cricket.com.au posted the viral image with the caption: “Catch! Umpire Kumar Dharmasena looks like he wants to get into the action… Thankfully he didn’t.”
As soon as the picture was shared, the Twitter users couldn’t hold it back, as many of them came up with sidesplitting reactions. Former Sri Lanka cricketer and a commentator now, Russel Arnold too, was one among the reactors.
Catch! Umpire Kumar Dharmasena looks like he wants to get into the action…
Thankfully he didn't #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/M4mA1GuDW8
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 19, 2022
Luckily he remembered last second his job is not to catch it 🙈🤣 https://t.co/67LkaOUiJy
— Rach🐯 (@rhoftonphoto) June 19, 2022
and the batsman had his heart in his mouth for a moment!
— BenHur (@gbenhur) June 19, 2022
We all need a bit of humour, good on ya dharmasena.
— Johnny de Fonny (@fonny_de) June 19, 2022
He saw his moment, he took it
— Specsavers (@Specsavers) June 19, 2022
When you are fed-up of doing umpiring and becomes a cricketer on the spot..
— Abhishek Agarwal (@Abhi_2570) June 19, 2022
Going back to his days, man! 🤣 https://t.co/tR9CzxRHt4
— NusandNas (@NusandNas) June 19, 2022
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 19, 2022
Sri Lanka beat Australia by six wickets
Besides, Sri Lanka conquered a much-needed win against the visitors. Batting first, Australia posted a defendable total of 291 for six. The tally involved a half-century from Australia skipper Aaron Finch and a brilliant unbeaten knock of 70 runs, from Travis Head. Head smashed three boundaries and three sixes, during his time on the crease. For Lanka, Jeffrey Vandersay, the leg-spinner, captured three wickets.
In reply, the Lankan top order started it well, making it easy for the middle-lower order, to achieve the mark. Nissanka, the opener, smashed a fabulous ton of 137 runs, comprising 11 fours and a couple of sixes.
Kusal Mendis too scored a significant knock of 87 runs, with eight boundaries, but the 27-year-old had to retire hurt. The Lankan side got home with nine balls remaining, and won the game by six wickets.
Written By Prachi Pisal
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