Pakistan’s bowlers won them the T20I Tri-Nation Series final in Rawalpindi, but the biggest talking point of the night was a dramatic moment late in Sri Lanka’s innings that left Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi visibly angry. A third-umpire decision overturned what looked like a clean catch and we never saw Fakhar that angry on the field.
Controversial call triggers angry reactions
The incident unfolded on the first ball of the 19th over, with Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka on strike. Shaheen bowled a slower ball, and Shanaka got a leading edge. Fakhar sprinted back from short third and dived to complete what appeared to be a sharp catch. Pakistan celebrated, convinced the dismissal was clean.
But the third umpire, Rashid Riaz, reviewed the catch and ruled that the ball touched the ground as Fakhar landed. The decision was overturned to not out, leaving Pakistani fielders stunned. Fakhar walked up to the on-field umpires to express his disagreement, while Shaheen stared up toward the TV umpire box in disbelief.
The frustration didn’t last long, as Pakistan had their payback. On the very next delivery, Shaheen bowled Shanaka with a slower ball that crashed into the stumps. Both Shaheen and Fakhar celebrated fiercely, mocking the earlier call by gesturing towards the umpire box. Shaheen lifted both arms as if asking, “Is that good enough now?”
Sri Lanka never recovered after that collapse. From 84 for 1, they crashed to 114 all out in 19.1 overs, losing their last nine wickets for just 20 runs. Shaheen and Mohammad Nawaz picked up three wickets each, while Kamil Mishara top-scored with 59 off 47. Pakistan chased the target with ease, finishing at 118 for 4 with eight balls to spare. Saim Ayub top-scored with 36, and Babar Azam stayed unbeaten on 37 to guide Pakistan home and lift the trophy.
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