The camera zoomed in. Finally, the third umpire was convinced that the ball was caught right under the fingers. Out! Yet, the television replay showed something completely different. Even the commentary box strongly opposed the decision.
But it was of no use. Controversy erupted right at the start of the India–Pakistan clash. Did Fakhar Zaman have to walk back despite not being out? He was given caught behind, though the TV replay clearly showed that the ball had touched the grass before settling into Sanju Samson’s gloves. Did third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge make the wrong call?
It was the second delivery of the third over. Pakistan, batting first after losing the toss. Hardik Pandya with the ball, and Fakhar Zaman dismissed! Pandya now has 15 wickets against Pakistan in just eight innings. But this dismissal of Fakhar sparked a heated debate.
Fakhar was ruled caught behind by Samson. On-field umpire Gazi Sohail from Bangladesh, unsure, went upstairs to the TV umpire. But it took some time for the umpires to reach a conclusion. Did the ball really touch the ground before reaching the gloves?
Replays kept rolling—not once, but several times. The camera zoomed in. Finally, the third umpire confirmed: the ball was taken under the fingers. Out! Though the replay continued to suggest otherwise. The commentary box openly criticized the decision. Still, nothing changed.
Shock was written all over Fakhar’s face. He stood at the crease for a few seconds in disbelief, then slowly walked back to the pavilion shaking his head. He probably never imagined he’d have to return like this.
After all, it wasn’t really a mistake in his shot selection. Pandya simply outsmarted him—slowed down the pace, bowled an off-cutter, and shortened the length. The bat got a faint edge, and all that remained was for Samson to complete the catch.
But luck deserted Fakhar. Samson failed to grab the catch cleanly. Even inside the dressing room, Fakhar Zaman was fuming in frustration. After a long time opening the innings, he looked in fine rhythm—15 runs off 9 balls with three boundaries. Bat and ball were connecting sweetly. Yet, he became the victim of a poor decision.
