A dramatic and much-debated moment unfolded during the Netherlands vs Namibia Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, when a batter was adjudged not out despite the LED bails lighting up during a run-out attempt.
The incident occurred off the final ball of the first over. Off-spinner Aryan Dutt bowled a length delivery to Jan Frylinck, who tapped the ball in front of point and called for a risky single. As the batters rushed through, the play was referred upstairs for a possible run-out at the wicketkeeper’s end.
Replays showed Netherlands captain and wicketkeeper Scott Edwards breaking the stumps even before cleanly collecting the ball. While one LED bail lit up, it did not fully leave the groove, and the second bail remained on the stump even as the ball was in Edwards’ hand. By the time the second bail was finally dislodged with the ball in control, Namibian batter Gerhard Steenkamp had completed a full-length dive and made his ground safely.
Under the playing conditions, a wicket is only deemed broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the stumps by the ball or the hand holding the ball. Since the first bail appeared to be disturbed by the wicketkeeper’s glove before proper control, and the second bail was dislodged only after Steenkamp was in, the third umpire ruled the batter not out.
The decision sparked confusion among viewers as the LED lights illuminated, but officials clarified through the review that illumination alone does not constitute a dismissal unless the bail is clearly removed in accordance with the laws. Steenkamp survived, and the single was allowed, marking one of the most talked-about moments of the early stages of the tournament.