New Zealand vs Netherlands: Ian Smith baffled by ‘strange’ no-go decision.

The Black Caps cruised to victory over the Netherlands to continue their perfect start to the Cricket World Cup, but at least one decision left commentator Ian Smith scratching his head.

Rashin Ravindra appeared to have put Sybrand Engelbrecht into overdrive with a wide delivery in the 41st over, with the wicket leaving the Netherlands 197 for eight in their chase of 323.

Initial replays showed it was a fairly ordinary bump, with quick work by Tom Latham behind the stumps, but Engelbrecht walked all the way to the boundary before being asked to wait for third umpire Joel Wilson to check something.

After reviewing the replay, it was determined that the tips of Latham’s gloves were in line with the stumps.

“He’s not completely behind the stumps, so I don’t have a ball,” said the third umpire rightly.

It was a decision that left New Zealand great and commentator Ian Smith distraught.

“Oh, you’re kidding me,” Smith can be heard off the microphone before contemplating his decision to opt out.

“Well, I have to say as a former goalkeeper that is the most bizarre thing I have ever seen. This is just crazy. When the ball went into his gloves it was clear they were behind the stumps. They were probably in front at first but when the ball went into his gloves , it was clearly behind the trunks.

However, he was wrong.

According to the Laws of Cricket, Rule 27.3.1: “The wicket-keeper must remain entirely behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until the ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or the striker’s person or passes the wicket at the striker’s end or the striker attempts a run.”

Ultimately, the decision had no impact on the match as Engelbrecht was dismissed four overs later, adding just 10 more runs to his tally, as the Netherlands fell short in their second defeat of the tournament.