Well, well, well. What’s expected has happened. The India vs Pakistan match has been marred with controversy. It was a denial of a handshake last time around. This time, it’s a controversial catch that infuriated an in-form Fakhar Zaman and has already split the internet.
Fakhar Zaman’s controversial catch
Unlike the September 14 clash, this time Pakistan raced off the block. Saim Ayub had been dismissed for a golden duck a week ago, but Sahibzada Farhan or Fakhar didn’t go out. Had Abhishek Sharma caught an easy catch, it may have happened again, but luck was on Pakistan’s side.
The luck quickly reverted in the third over. Hardik Pandya‘s off-cutter caught Fakhar’s edge and went into Sanju Samson’s glove. The wicketkeeper celebrated. The on-field umpire sent the decision upstairs for a review. From the first angle, it looked like the ball had bounced before Samson’s gloves.
But TV/third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge asked for another umpire. This one looked in India’s favour. It looked like the ball had gone straight into Samson’s mitts. It was one versus two for Ruchira. It was expected that he’d have a look, but that didn’t happen.
Match rigged in India’s favour?
Ruchira felt that it was enough to give Fakhar out. When the decision came out on the big screen, the batter was livid. He couldn’t believe that the umpire had given him out. And then the controversy train picked up. Not just Pakistani fans but even journalists alleged bias.
They claimed that sometimes pitches are made for India or the match referee in aiding them. When that isn’t the case, even the third umpire is on India’s side.
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