In an awkward turn of events today, the first match of the Cricket World Cup between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is currently being marred by the fact that neither team apparently wants to win.
The match, being played at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, has been going for more than six hours, but is still on the first ball of the first over, as Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Kulasekara has now bowled 462 consecutive wide balls, leaving the team unable to progress.
Meanwhile, New Zealand striker Martin Guptill – currently on 462 runs across 0 balls – appears unwilling to hit the ball, even if it eventually comes his way, opting not to even hold his bat, and instead stand 5 metres away from the wicket, playing mobile games on his phone.
“Damn,” said Guptill to Kulasekara after the latest wide ball. “That’s bad luck. I would’ve missed that one.”
Some commentators suspect match-fixing may be at play.
As of an hour ago, Kulasekara insisted to match officials that he “really was trying,” and said he would surely eventually figure out how not to bowl wide.
“I think I just need to get the hang of throwing it forward, instead of sideways or directly behind me,” he said.
Staff at the oval say they will not allow people in the crowd to leave until the match is finished, which is not expected to be for some months.