'Special day' for history-making woman umpire
Australia's Claire Polosak became the first female umpire to stand in a men's one-day international.
WINDHOEK (AFP) - Australia s Claire Polosak said it was a "special day" as she made history in becoming the first female umpire to stand in a men s one-day international.
The 31-year-old officiated in the final of the World Cricket League Division 2 between hosts Namibia and Oman at the weekend and admitted she would "sleep well" after her performance.
"It was a special day for everyone and I wanted to do the best I can," said Polosak.
"There was a little bit of intensity out there, some argy-bargy between the teams but I nipped it in the bud with a quiet word.
"Everyone responded well, there were no issues with player behaviour."
Polosak has already stood in 15 women s ODIs, the first one in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa.
She has also umpired the semi-final of the Women s T20 World Cup in 2018 between England and India and four matches at the 2017 Women s World Cup.
"I had a couple of big calls," she added of Saturday s game which was won by Namibia by 145 runs.
"Big caught behinds, lbws which I was pleased with. You never walk off completely happy but I will sleep well tonight."
Polosak has already blazed a trail -- she was the first woman to stand in a men s domestic fixture in Australia in her first List A match in Australia in 2017.
In December last year, she and her South Australian counterpart Eloise Sheridan became the first female umpires to officiate on-field together during a professional match in Australia when the Adelaide Strikers hosted the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL.
