In a bizarre turn of events during the ILT20 2025 match between Gulf Giants and Desert Vipers, Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus found himself sent back to the dugout without facing a single ball. This unusual incident occurred on Tuesday (January 14), and has since been dubbed a “schoolboy error” by fans and commentators alike.
The bizarre incident
The confusion arose in the 16th over of the first innings when Mohammad Amir dismissed Saghir Khan, prompting the Gulf Giants to send in Erasmus as a Super Sub. However, just moments later, the umpires informed the team that Erasmus would not be allowed to bat.
Andy Flower, the head coach of the Giants, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision and was spotted having a heated discussion with the fourth umpire near the boundary line. Leslie Reifer, the third umpire for the match, later clarified that Flower had not adhered to the proper procedure, as he failed to notify the fourth umpire about the team’s intention to use Erasmus as the Super Sub.
Here’s the video:
Have we ever seen this before? 👀
Super-sub Gerhard Erasmus was sent back without facing a ball after the umpires discovered that due process wasn’t followed! 🚨#ILT20onFanCode pic.twitter.com/eQBCgFKks9
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 14, 2025
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Explaining the entire scenario to the viewers, Reifer said: “Erasmus wasn’t declared in the playing XI and the playing conditions clearly state that only the head coach can notify the fourth umpire immediately at the fall of a wicket or a batter retiring.
“As we saw there, our fourth umpire was not informed of the Super Sub. Therefore, Gerhard Erasmus had no really right and truly going to the middle because the process was not duly followed.”
Desert Vipers won by 6 wickets
Desert Vipers registered their second consecutive win this season, defeating Gulf Giants by six wickets. A solid unbeaten 42 from all-rounder Sam Curran, along with Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 40 off just 18 balls, guided the Vipers to a comfortable chase, achieving the target of 120 in 17.4 overs.
Earlier, the Giants struggled against a disciplined bowling effort from the Vipers after being asked to bat first. Skipper Lockie Ferguson led the attack with an impressive three-wicket haul, while Amir contributed with two wickets, restricting the Giants to a modest 119/9 in their allotted 20 overs. James Vince stood out as the sole performer for the Giants, playing a gritty unbeaten knock of 76 off 62 deliveries. However, lacklustre support from the rest of the batting lineup left the team short of a competitive total.
Also WATCH: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman undone by a sublime delivery from Mark Adair in ILT20 2025
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