NEW DELHI: A dramatic controversy erupted on Friday during the semi-final of the Emerging Asia Cup between India A and Afghanistan A at Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman after the umpire reversed a key decision without using the Decision Review System (DRS).
The incident occurred during Afghanistan’s batting innings when 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 no DRS in place—Zubaid was given out, triggering visible frustration from the Afghanistan camp.
Zubaid, who had scored 64 off 41 balls, hesitated to leave the field, raising his hand in protest.
The situation escalated further when the Afghanistan coach instructed Zubaid to stay on the field, leading to a heated discussion between the officials and the coaching staff from both teams.
The controversial reversal of the decision stirred tension, with both coaching units debating the ruling.
The dramatic shift in momentum didn’t stop Afghanistan A from posting 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 Zubaid 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 Nishant’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.
