Huge snake stops play in T20 cricket match in Sri Lanka – leaving stars stunned before a brave official chases it off the pitch

  • Snake slithered onto field during T20 match 
  • Play halted while reptile remained on the ground 
  • Cricket fans were left stunned by footage

By Andrew Prentice For Daily Mail Australia

Updated: 04:12 BST, 2 August 2023

Players in a Sri Lankan T20 match were collectively stunned after a huge snake entered the field, causing a break in play.

It is understood the unwanted visitor at the R. Premadasa Stadium when Galle Titans hosted rivals Dambulla Aura was a common rat snake.

The species isn’t venomous, but does bite if it feels threatened.

In remarkable scenes, a Titans bowler informed the umpire the snake had slithered onto the pitch after coming over the boundary.

An umpire tried to shoo it away by stomping on the ground before a brave official attempted to clear it from the field by walking behind it until it crossed the boundary rope.

‘Oh gosh, look at that … that frightens me. I just don’t want to be anywhere close,’ one of the TV commentators for the match told viewers.

‘What a sight. Never seen anything like this on a cricket field. I think we’ve got to wait for him to just exit.’ 

After a local wildlife rescue team was called into assist, the serpent was removed from the ground before play continued.

Players from Galle Titans and Dambulla Aura saw the funny side of the unique situation as the legless pitch invader stopped play (pictured)

Players from Galle Titans and Dambulla Aura saw the funny side of the unique situation as the legless pitch invader stopped play (pictured)

Lanka Premier League later shared the scenes on their Twitter page. 

‘Hello, stranger. Where is your accreditation card?’ the accompanying caption read.

‘Even the Sri Lankan wildlife can’t resist the action at the LPL!’

The bizarre break in play stunned cricket fans around the world.

‘It is just here to enjoy the game,’ one supporter joked, with another writing: ‘The occasional entries of dogs and cats is normal, but when a snake makes its presence in the field, this is utterly dangerous for everyone.’

Once play resumed, the Titans won a thriller in a super over after both sides plundered 180 runs from their 20 overs.

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