Controversy Erupts in Emerging Asia Cup Semi-Final as Umpire Reverses Decision Without DRS
A dramatic controversy unfolded during the semi-final of the Emerging Asia Cup between India A and Afghanistan A in Oman, as an umpire reversed a key decision without using the Decision Review System (DRS).
The incident occurred when Afghanistan opener Zubaid Akbari was initially ruled not out after an appeal for a catch behind the stumps. However, following a lengthy consultation with the third umpire, despite the absence of DRS, Akbari was given out, sparking outrage from the Afghanistan camp.
Akbari, who had scored 64 off 41 balls, refused to leave the field, raising his hand in protest. The situation escalated when the Afghanistan coach instructed Akbari to stay on the field, leading to a heated discussion between officials and coaching staff from both teams.
The controversial reversal of the decision created tension, with both coaching units debating the ruling. Despite the setback, Afghanistan A posted a formidable total of 206/4, the highest score of the tournament, led by a 137-run opening partnership between Sediqullah Atal (83 off 52) and Akbari. Karim Janat added a quick 41 off 20 balls to give Afghanistan a strong finish.
India A, chasing 207, stumbled early, losing five wickets by the 13th over. Ramandeep Singh and Nishant Sindhu provided late resistance with a brisk 68-run stand off 31 balls, but a miscommunication led to Sindhu’s run-out, leaving India with too much to do in the final overs.
Abdul Rahman held his nerve in the final over, dismissing Ramandeep on the last ball to restrict India A to 186/7, sealing a 20-run victory for Afghanistan A. They now advance to the final to face Sri Lanka A.
The controversy surrounding the umpire’s decision has raised questions about the use of DRS in international cricket and the potential for human error to influence the outcome of matches.
