Controversy erupted during the India vs Pakistan Women's ODI World Cup 2025 clash after Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali was run out in a disputed manner during their chase of a 248-run target in Colombo.
Muneeba's dismissal
The incident took place on the final ball of the fourth over. Indian bowler Kranti Gaud appealed for an LBW decision against Muneeba, but the on-field umpire turned it down. As the play seemed to move on, Deepti Sharma collected the ball and hit the stumps at the striker’s end with a direct throw. Muneeba, caught off guard, was outside the crease.
Replays showed Muneeba had initially grounded her bat inside the crease but lifted it slightly as she attempted to get back. At the moment the ball struck the stumps, both her feet and bat were in the air.
The third umpire first ruled Muneeba not out, but after another review, the decision was reversed and she was declared out. The batter was dismissed for 2 runs off 12 balls.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was seen speaking animatedly with the fourth umpire following the decision.
MCC Law explained
According to the MCC Law 30.1, a batter shall be considered to be out of her ground unless some part of her person or bat is grounded behind the popping crease at that end.
30.1.2 However, a batter shall not be considered to be out of her ground if, in running or diving towards her ground and beyond, and having grounded some part of her person or bat beyond the popping crease, there is subsequent loss of contact between the ground and any part of her person or bat, or between the bat and person.
Pakistan reach 101/4 after 30 overs against India
Coming back to the match, Pakistan reached 101 for 4 at the end of 30 overs, needing 147 more runs from the remaining 120 balls. Sidra Amin was holding the innings together with an unbeaten 48, while skipper Fatima Sana was batting on 2.
Pakistan lost early wickets, with Muneeba Ali run out by Deepti Sharma. Sadaf Shamas was caught off Kranti Gaud’s bowling, leaving Pakistan at 20 for 2 in the eighth over. Gaud then removed Aliya Riaz before dismissing Natalia Pervaiz for 33. Pervaiz had added a valuable 69-run partnership with Sidra Amin to shift the momentum of the game.