While India A had remained unbeaten up until the final in the ACC Men's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, in the summit clash against Pakistan A at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, they were comprehensively beaten by 128 runs. While India A captain Yash Dhull had won the toss, he had elected to bowl first, a ploy which did not work out the way he wanted on a fresh wicket being used at the venue. As a result India ended up conceding 352/8.
In response, India A had got off to a splendid star and for a brief while it looked like they were in track of the run-chase and the match could well go down to the wire. However as soon as Pakistan A got a wicket, things gradually started to go downhill for the chasing side before they eventually collapsed and got bowled out for 224 in their 40 overs to hand Pakistan A their second successive ACC Men's Emerging Asia Cup title.
Also on ABP LIVE | Emerging Asia Cup Final: Tayyab Tahir's Stunning Show Sets Up Pakistan A's Dominant 128-Run Win Over India A; Men In Green Clinch Title
One particular incident though has raised eyebrows and it was where it all started for Pakistan A in the second innings. While the India A openers had helped the team off to a good start and they were at one stage 64/0 in the 9th over, Sudharsan was tested with a short-pitch ball by Arshad Iqbal and the batter perished for 29. However, the southpaw was made to wait as he stared walking back to the pavilion as the on-field umpires wanted to check a possible no-ball.
While replays showed that it was a close-call, the Hindi commentators on air reckoned that it could be a no-ball. However, the third umpire felt otherwise and handed the decision in favour of the Pakistani side. The issue has divived netizens with some fans feeling that it should have been called a no-ball while others suggesting that the bowler's foot had actually landed inside the crease before no part of it was behind the line.
Take a look at some of the reactions here: