Controversy Over Pakistani Batter’s Dismissal: What the Rules Say

Off the field, discussions have been louder than performances in the latest clashes between India and Pakistan. In the T20 Asia Cup, Pakistan faced India three times, including the final, losing on all occasions. Yesterday, the two sides met again in the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup, where Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, suffered a heavy 88-run defeat against Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.

The match also saw controversy surrounding the dismissal of Pakistan batter Munibah Ali. Though she was at the crease, her bat was in the air when the stumps were broken, leading to a prolonged argument between Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and the fourth umpire. Eventually, Munibah had to leave the field following the out decision.

Pakistan were chasing India’s target of 248 runs when the controversy occurred in the fourth over.

1. Indian pacer Kranti Gaur delivered a ball that struck Munibah’s pad.
2. A strong LBW appeal was made, but the on-field umpire did not respond.
3. India did not take a DRS review, which in hindsight could have resulted in Munibah being out.
4. On the same delivery, Deepti Sharma collected the ball and threw it at the stumps at the striker’s end.
5. The on-field umpire initially declared Munibah not out, acknowledging that she was in the crease.
6. After consulting the third umpire and reviewing the replay, the decision was overturned, declaring her run-out.

The replay clearly showed that while Munibah’s bat initially touched the crease, it was in the air when the stumps were broken.

Pakistan struggled to accept this unfortunate run-out. Captain Fatima Sana even came out from the dressing room to argue with the fourth umpire, but the decision remained unchanged.

The dismissal significantly set Pakistan back. Chasing the target:

Batting highlights for Pakistan:

No other batter made a significant contribution, and Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 159.

According to ICC Playing Condition 30.1.2:

• If a batter is running for a run, even after reaching the crease, but their bat is in the air, they are considered not in the crease.
• As long as the ball is in play (not dead), the batter’s bat or body must be grounded within the popping crease.
• If any part of the batter’s body or bat does not touch the ground behind the popping crease, they can be declared out.

In Munibah’s case:

• She was not running at the time.
• Whether she stepped out and returned was irrelevant.
• The ball was still in play after the LBW appeal, and Deepti’s throw broke the stumps while her bat was in the air.
• Therefore, the run-out decision was correct according to the rules.