Colombo, October 5, 2025: The high-octane ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter between Pakistan and India at the R. Premadasa Stadium took an unexpected turn on Sunday after Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed in controversial fashion early in the innings.
The incident occurred on the final ball of the fourth over when a direct throw from an Indian fielder hit the stumps. Muneeba appeared to have grounded her bat safely but lifted it slightly just as the ball struck the wicket. Following a third-umpire review, the decision flashed on the big screen — ‘OUT’.
Visibly stunned, Muneeba walked off in disbelief, while Indian players celebrated the breakthrough. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was later seen speaking with the fourth umpire near the boundary rope, with team officials reportedly arguing that since Muneeba had already grounded her bat and was not attempting a run, she should have been declared ‘not out.’
According to ICC regulations, however, a batter is considered run out if they are out of their crease at the moment the stumps are fairly broken by a fielder while the ball is in play — regardless of whether a run was being attempted.
Earlier, India — after winning the toss — posted 247 all out in their 50 overs, thanks to key contributions from Harleen Deol (46 off 65), Jemimah Rodrigues (32 off 37), and Richa Ghosh, who smashed an unbeaten 39 off 20 balls with three fours and two sixes.
Pakistan’s bowlers put on a strong display, led by Diana Baig, who claimed 4 for 69, while Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal took two wickets apiece. Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim chipped in with one wicket each.
India’s innings began positively through openers Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (31), before Pakistan’s bowlers triggered a collapse in the middle overs. Despite late resistance from Ghosh and Deepti Sharma (25), India fell short of a 250-plus total.
The early dismissal of Muneeba Ali, however, has sparked debate online and among commentators, with many calling for clearer interpretation of the bat-grounding rule in modern cricket.
