WATCH | Sri Lankan players prematurely celebrate series win

After leveling the series in the second match, Sri Lanka had to face a South African team that was boosted by the return of AB de Villiers in the final. On the back of a brilliant 63 by de Villiers, the Proteas handed Sri Lanka a target of 170. 

Sri Lanka appeared to be on their way to a win requiring just five off the last three balls when Asela Gunaratne had a rush of blood to the head. The Sri Lankan edged a Dane Paterson bouncer over wicketkeeper Mangaliso Mosehle to the fence. However, in a moment of pure excitement, Gunaratne uprooted his off-stump before the ball had actually cleared the boundary. 

South Africa appealed for a hit-wicket which was denied and the 31-year-old pierced the congested off-side on the next ball to secure the win for his side. After analyzing the decision, it appears the umpires got it spot on according to the rule-book. 

The rule-book states that a player can be given hit wicket only in the following circumstances.

1. The striker is out Hit wicket if, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride and while the ball is in play, his wicket is put down either by the striker’s bat or by his person.

2. Either in the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery or in setting off for his first run immediately after playing or playing at the ball.

3. If he makes no attempt to play the ball, in setting off for his first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire this is immediately after he has had the opportunity of playing the ball.

4. In lawfully making a second or further stroke for the purpose of guarding his wicket within the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).