Stumping controversy erupts during New Zealand vs Netherlands

A former New Zealand cricketer was left seeing red following a controversial moment that unfolded during his country’s World Cup match.

New Zealand romped to victory against Netherlands during their World Cup encounter on Monday, but it came with a moment of controversy.

Mitchell Santner was at his destructive best with both bat and ball as he lead New Zealand to a convincing 99-run win.

Watch every match of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Live on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

Santner clubbed a 17-ball 36 not out before taking charge with the ball and claiming five wickets. The haul made him the first ever Kiwi to take five-wickets during a World Cup contest.

But it should have been six.

His dismissal of Sybrand Engelbrecht was overturned by the third umpire in a decision that left many fans scratching their heads.

Engelbrecht was caught a long way out of his crease as New Zealand keeper Tom Latham whipped the bails off.

Unfortunately the third umpire wanted a closer look where he eventually overturned the decision by ruling Latham’s gloves went beyond the stumps during the course of the delivery.

Replays seemed to indicate however that at the time of the catch, Latham’s gloves were behind the stumps.

New Zealand denied stumping vs Netherlands

The ruling caused widespread confusion and left commentator and former Kiwi international Ian Smith fuming.

“You are kidding,” he could be heard saying in the background.

He then added: “As a former keeper that’s the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen. That is just crazy. You’re telling me that’s a no ball?

“When the ball went into his gloves they were clearly behind the stumps. They might have been initially in front but when the ball went into the gloves they were clearly behind the stumps.”

Bizzare decision from 3rd umpire. A proper stumping from Latham turned to a no ball by 3rd umpire. #NZvsNED#ODI

— Pravy (@pravy1986) October 9, 2023

The ruling ultimately mattered little as New Zealand comfortably claimed their second win of the World Cup.

“We did a great job batting first, built partnerships at the top and the bowlers did a fantastic job tonight,” said Kiwis captain Tom Latham.

Netherlands were never in the hunt in their chase of 322 as they lost Vikramjit Singh (12), Max O’Dowd (16) and Bas de Leede (18) in the first 17 overs with just 67 on the board.

Top-scorer Colin Ackermann, with a 73-ball 69, and Teja Nidamanuru (21) added 50 for the fourth wicket but Santner removed Ackermann and skipper Scott Edwards (30) to virtually end Dutch hopes.

Santner also dismissed Roelof van der Merwe (one) and Ryan Klein (eight) to complete his second five-wicket haul in his 97th ODI.

Fast bowler Matt Henry finished with 3-40 to wrap up the match.

“I was hoping we could keep them to around 280-300 when I won the toss because I do think it gets easier to bat here as the day goes on,” said Edwards.