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'How did he miss?': Cricket world loses it over crazy final-ball blunder

South Africa have beaten Sri Lanka in an extraordinary Twenty20 international, after Niroshan Dickwella missed a simple runout to give Sri Lanka victory.

South Africa went on to win in a Super Over to decide the frantic and often farcical first match at Newlands.

The teams finish tied in a helter-skelter end to the regulation 20 overs-a-side after South Africa collapsed from a position where victory seemed certain and had to scramble a single off the last ball of their chase to level the scores on Wednesday.

As South Africa sneaked through for that tying run, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Dickwella missed a straightforward throw at the stumps that would have given Sri Lanka an improbable victory.

How did he miss from there? Image: Sky Sports
How did he miss from there? Image: Sky Sports

“Why didn’t he have the glove off?” one commentator exclaimed as Dickwella attempted the throw without removing his keeping glove.

The cricket world couldn’t believe Dickwella’s gaffe.

South Africa batted first in the Super Over and made 14, with David Miller cracking a six and a four off Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga.

South Africa then chose legspinner Imran Tahir to bowl Sri Lanka’s Super Over and he conceded just five – although that still included two dropped catches and two wides.

That was only half the story of a thrilling match.

South Africa threw away its winning position and only just managed to tie the scores and force the Super Over.

Imran Tahir celebrates. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP/Getty Images)
Imran Tahir celebrates. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP/Getty Images)

Tahir was the saviour for the home team then, too.

He came in with South Africa needing two to win and one to tie. His inside edge enabled the South Africans to sneak through for the run that took it to 8-134 and tie Sri Lanka, who posted 7-134.

Dickwella’s throw from close range missed the stumps and the ball also then hit Tahir, who was sprinting down the pitch to complete the run.

with AAP