The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 Final at the MCG was a historic occasion — over 86,000 fans packed the stadium on International Women's Day. India, who had topped the group stage unbeaten, faced a dominant Australia. Early in India's chase of 185, 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma was stumped by Alyssa Healy off the bowling of Jess Jonassen.
The dismissal was referred to the third umpire, and replays raised questions about whether Healy had gathered the ball cleanly before breaking the stumps. Some angles appeared to show the ball may have deflected off Healy's glove pad rather than being held securely. Despite the ambiguity, the third umpire upheld the on-field decision of out.
Shafali had been India's most dangerous player throughout the tournament, and her early dismissal for just 2 runs was a devastating blow. India subsequently collapsed to 99 all out, losing by 85 runs. While the match was largely dominated by Australia's brilliance — Healy herself smashed 75 off 39 balls — the early stumping decision was debated in Indian cricket circles as a potential turning point.
The incident highlighted the challenges of third-umpire decision-making in women's cricket and the fine margins that can decide major finals. For India, it was a heartbreaking end to a dream tournament, and the stumping became one of many "what ifs" that haunted the team.