Controversial decision was the center of attraction as Pakistan beat India by 5 wickets in the Super 4 encounter of Asia Cup 2022. After winning the toss, Pakistan asked India to bat first on a wicket which was batsman’s paradise and the men in blue managed to score 181 runs in their designated 20 overs. Pakistan lost Babar early but Mohammad Rizwan held one end of the wicket and ensured that Pakistan reached the target comfortably. However, Hardik Pandya proved decisive and he dismissed the keeper batsman to make the match hang in balance.
Pakistan had two new batters in form of Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah and the pressure was mounting on them. Ravi Bishnoi bowled the crucial 18th over of the game and on the third ball of the over had some drama unfolding. The ball was on leg and Asif Ali looked to pull but it went to the keeper’s gloves and Rohit Sharma took a DRS. In the referral, a small murmur was noticed in the ultraedge as the ball passed the bat. The ball also changed its spinning motion which was minimized after striking the bat but the evidence had to be conclusive for the third umpire to overturn on field umpire’s decision.
The third umpire took all his time and despite a little spike, ruled the decision in favour of the batsman. Asif Ali hit a six and two fours in the 19th over of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to take Pakistan to drivers seat with just 7 needed off 6 balls. Arshdeep Singh bowled some tight line but it was not enough to stop Pakistan from a 5 wickets victory.
Fans blamed the third umpire for India’s loss to Pakistan as the decision could have changed favours in India’s interest. Here are few reactions-
Dubai crowd chanting ‘cheating, cheating’.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 4, 2022
That messed up 3rd umpire decision followed by a dropped catch and missing to field a slow ball for a 4! That whole episode was so, so dreadful.
Can’t even imagine the pressure that Arshdeep Singh was surging through! Holding his nerves until the very end. Acknowledging that.
— Astrid Fernandes (@Astrid_Ferns_07) September 4, 2022
3rd umpire was compromised… There was ultra egde…@BCCI suspend such umpire… #cheating
— अॅड.प्रसाद जैन (@prasadajain) September 4, 2022
3rd umpire pic.twitter.com/Af3PvHiz9d
— Viral videos (@SscViralvideos) September 4, 2022
