An eclipse of moths attacked the Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow where Afghanistan and West Indies were playing the second game of a three-match ODI series. Afghanistan, who play at the Lucknow Stadium as their home ground, were batting when the incident occurred leaving both sets of players as well as the umpires on the turf. Unfortunately, the insects were not paying only a visit to the stadium but stayed back throughout Afghanistan’s innings causing several disruptions to the match. But with the umpires not cancelling the match, players of both teams had to battle the swarm of moths to continue playing. Afghanistan Vs West Indies, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match.

Afghanistan were hosting the West Indies in the second ODI at the Lucknow Stadium – the visitors led the ODI series 1-0 having beaten Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first game at the same stadium. West Indies batted first after Afghanistan had called right and opted to field first. Jason Holder’s side posted 247/9 in 50 overs facing little difficulties – other than being forced to wear face masks to protect themselves from the air pollution and ever-increasing smog of Lucknow.

When Afghanistan and West Indies Battled Moths to Play Cricket

Both teams also faced visibility issues due to smog in the ground. But with the umpires refusing the stop or abandon the game, both teams had endured the difficulties – putting their health in danger – and carry on the game. It is important to note that Lucknow is one of the most polluted cities in India with an Air Quality Index of 334, which is considered ‘hazardous.’

It was, however, at dusk that the biggest issue came around when an eclipse of moths decided to enter the stadium. As the day gave way to evening and the floodlights came on, a swarm of black moths decided to entertain the crowd and the players. A large swarm of moths were spotted around the crease as well as the boundary line prompting senior players and captains Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder to even have a chat with the umpires about calling the game off. But the umpires weren’t amused and refused to abandon the game.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2019 10:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).