The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup umpires came under scrutiny during the Pakistan vs Nepal match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday, July 23. In the final over of the powerplay during Pakistan’s run-chase, Muneeba Ali overcame a huge crisis when she tried to use her feet while facing left-arm spinner Heena Hotchandani but missed the ball completely.
Wicketkeeper Teertha Satish removed the bail in a split second. Muneeva tried to drag his foot into the crease but appeared to miss. On-field umpires Noor Hijra and Vrinda Rathi referred the decision to third umpire Gayatri Venugopalan upstairs. Replays showed that Muneeva’s left foot was on the line when Satish removed the bail.
The third umpire watched quite a few replays before calling the batsman out. Even the commentators were surprised when Muneeva was called out. The call drew a lot of criticism from fans, who blamed the umpire for sloppy play.
‘The worst decision’
“The refereeing at the Women’s Asia Cup was terrible. And it was a TV referee. Inexplicable. Worst call by a third official I’ve seen in a long time,” wrote one fan.
“It clearly could have been an out but wasn’t. Both commentators are shocked,” wrote another fan.
Muneeva was on 10 when he survived a glaring blunder from the umpire. Pakistan were 39 for 1 in 5.2 overs when the batsmen grabbed a lifeline. Muneeva scored 37 off 30 balls, thanks to four fours, to remain not out.
Gul Feroza recorded consecutive half-centuries after scoring an unbeaten 62 off 55 balls, including eight fours, as Pakistan won the match by 10 wickets to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
