Dubai: On Sunday, before Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against India in a tense Asia Cup (Super-4) clash, a controversial incident took place in just the third over of the match. Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s dangerous opener, edged a delivery from Hardik Pandya, and Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson claimed a low catch. While completing the catch, Samson’s hand was touching the grass, but the ball itself was clearly on his fingers. He grabbed it cleanly before completing the dismissal.
Although the third umpire rightly declared Fakhar Zaman out, the batter put on an act on his way back, trying to draw sympathy from Pakistani fans.
Several former Pakistani players and supporters on social media claimed that Samson had not taken the catch cleanly. Responding bluntly, ex-Indian cricketer Vivek Razdan shut them down with a sharp comment: “Can’t you see the fingers?” meaning Samson had clearly taken the ball on his fingers before completing the catch.
However, Pakistan’s own captain Salman Agha, along with former players Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar, maintained that the catch wasn’t clean.
What did Pakistan’s captain say?
After the match, Salman Agha remarked: “The umpire made a mistake. Umpires too can make errors. The ball touched the ground before Samson completed the catch.”
Shoaib Akhtar’s complaint
Shoaib Akhtar argued: “Why did the third umpire decide after looking at only two angles? He should have checked more angles, and if there was any doubt, the benefit should have gone to Fakhar.”
Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis also echoed that Zaman was not out, since Samson never fully held the catch.
Nevertheless, Hardik Pandya’s strike in the third over sent Fakhar Zaman back to the pavilion.
India’s six-wicket win
Pakistan posted 171/5, but India chased it down in just 18.5 overs with 174/4 to register a commanding victory.
Rest day & upcoming matches
The Asia Cup has a rest day today. Tomorrow, Pakistan face Sri Lanka, and on Wednesday, India take on Bangladesh in their next Super-4 clash.
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