NEW DELHI: An unusual scene unfolded during the fourth match of the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla on Monday when Sri Lanka A’s scoreboard already showed 10/0 before their openers had even taken guard and before the first ball of the chase was bowled.India A, powered by half-centuries from Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam, posted a competitive 265 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. However, the talking point of the match came during Sri Lanka A’s innings when the hosts were awarded 10 runs without facing a delivery.

Why were Sri Lanka A awarded 10 runs vs India A?

India A were penalised for repeatedly running on the protected area of the pitch during their innings.The first warning came in the 33rd over when all-rounder Anukul Roy was found guilty of running down the middle of the pitch. Two overs later, in the 35th over, Vipraj Nigam committed the same offence and received a second and final warning from the umpire.As per the laws, the second offence resulted in a five-run penalty being awarded to the fielding side, Sri Lanka A.Nigam, however, repeated the offence again in the 37th over, leading to another five-run penalty.As a result, Sri Lanka A effectively began their chase with 10 runs already on the board, and the scoreboard read 10/0 before the first ball of their innings was bowled.

What do the rules say?

According to the Laws of Cricket, batters are not allowed to run on the protected area of the pitch deliberately or carelessly.The umpire issues a first warning for such an infringement. Any subsequent offence by the batting side results in a five-run penalty.The rule exists because spikes can damage the surface and create rough patches or footmarks, which could significantly affect conditions later in the match.India A’s repeated breaches therefore cost them 10 runs, all of which were added to Sri Lanka A’s total before the chase even got underway.

Shedge, Nigam rescue India A

Earlier, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again provided India A with a brisk start before failing to convert it into a substantial score. India A found themselves in deep trouble at 143/7 before spin-bowling all-rounders Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam launched a recovery act.Shedge top-scored with a composed 72 off 66 balls, while Nigam struck 51 from 49 deliveries as the duo guided India A to a competitive 265 after a middle-order collapse had threatened to derail the innings.