In the T20I Tri-Nation Series final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, tensions escalated when Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi reacted strongly to a contentious third-umpire decision. The incident unfolded on the first delivery of the 19th over with Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka at the crease. Shaheen bowled a slower ball aimed at the stumps, and Shanaka’s attempted flick resulted in a leading edge.
Fakhar sprinted back and timed his jump to complete what initially appeared to be a clean catch at short third man. However, the third umpire, Rashid Riaz, reviewed the dismissal, checking whether the ball had touched the ground as Fakhar completed the catch. To the surprise of the Pakistan players, he ruled Shanaka not out, believing the ball had brushed the turf. The decision left the team visibly stunned and prompted Fakhar to approach on-field officials Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob to express his frustration.
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Angry Fakhar Zaman pic.twitter.com/sETjUARyzs https://t.co/viW4d7x7jf
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Shaheen Strikes Back Immediately
Despite the setback, Shaheen Afridi answered in the most emphatic way possible. On the very next delivery, he uprooted Shanaka’s stumps, sending the Sri Lankan skipper back for just 2 off seven balls. The dismissal triggered an emotional celebration from Shaheen, who was soon joined by Fakhar.
Both players made pointed gestures toward the third umpire’s box, seemingly mocking the earlier decision by appealing dramatically in his direction. Shaheen even lifted his arms as if asking whether this dismissal met the umpire’s criteria for being given out. Their reaction showcased the intensity of the moment and the high stakes of the final.
Pakistan Turn the Game Around And Seal The Win
Earlier in the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to field first after winning the toss. Sri Lanka began strongly and appeared in control at 84/1 in the 11th over, led by Kamil Mishara’s composed 59 off 47 balls, which included two fours and four sixes. But the innings collapsed dramatically, with the remaining nine wickets falling for just 20 runs.
Shaheen and Mohammad Nawaz spearheaded the comeback, each claiming three wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs. Chasing 115, Pakistan approached the target steadily. Saim Ayub top-scored with 36 off 33, while Babar Azam anchored the finish with an unbeaten 37. Alongside Usman Khan, he guided Pakistan to a six-wicket victory with eight balls remaining, capping off a match filled with drama, emotion, and a commanding comeback from the hosts.
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