2 hours ago
9
A swarm of bugs caused India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup clash with Pakistan to be interrupted in Colombo.
A break in play was required for the playing area to be fumigated as India batted first in the grudge clash, but even that only proved a temporary respite.
The winged insects had appeared after approximately 20 overs as the sun started to set at the R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka, attracted by the floodlights.
They affected both batters and bowlers, with an initial attempt to ward them off coming in the 28th over when Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana and spinner Nashra Sandhu called for bug spray, which they applied to both their clothing and the bowling crease during a drinks break.
It had limited effect and after 34 overs, play was stopped to allow a man in a gas mask to come onto the playing area with a fumigation machine, covering large areas of the pitch with anti-insect smoke.
A member of ground staff fumigates the field following the bug invasion
India batter Harleen Dol is surrounded by bugs during India's innings
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana sees the funny side of the bizarre incident as she sprays inspect repellent
The match finally resumed once the smoke had cleared - but the bugs returned later and caused another stoppage
That seemed to work initially but once the smoke had cleared, the insects returned, with offspinner Rameen Shamim needing treatment after a bug flew into her eye in the 38th over.
Amid all the chaos, Pakistan bowled well, with India restricted to 247 all out from their 50 overs.
This is the second consecutive match in Colombo to have been affected by external conditions, with the clash between Sri Lanka and Australia on Saturday washed out without a ball being bowled due to rain.
