Pakistan qualified for the Super 4 of the Asia Cup 2025 after beating UAE by 41 runs. The Men in Green will face India once again on Sunday, September 21 in Dubai. Coming to the match, one of the talking points was an injury to on field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge. The Sri Lankan umpire was hit on head after a throw from Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris.
Saim Ayub who was bowling the over showed concern and checked on the umpire. Palliyaguruge eventually had to walk away from the field after being checked by the medical professionals. However, the bigggest question is whether it was a deliberate attempt to injure the umpire who had given wrong decision against them during India match on September 14?
Ruchira Palliyaguruge injury incident
The incident occurred in the final over of the powerplay as Salman Ali Agha turned to Ayub. The moment had occurred after the fourth delivery when Haris casually threw the ball to Ayub. With the umpire standing in the middle, the ball hit him on the back of his head. The blow seemingly proved to be slightly serious and Palliyaguruge had to walk away off the field. Reserve umpire Gazi Sohel took his place and took charge until the match ended.
Watch the below video:
Fans react to umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge injury
Pakistan beat UAE to qualify for super 4s
UAE had won the toss and put Pakistan into bat. Fakhar Zaman's 36-ball 50 and cameo from Shaheen Afridi was pivotal in helping the Men in Green reach a total of 146/9 in 20 overs.
It wa sthe the turn of Pakistan bowlers to do the job and they did not dissapoint. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed picked up 2 wickets apiece while Saim Ayub and Salman Agha picked up a wicket apiece to guide the team to victory
Earlier, High drama encircled before the match as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been left fuming over Team India not shaking hands with them following the latter's commanding seven-wicket victory.
The match had started one hour after the scheduled time as PCB and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi seemingly had a meeting with the government as rumours of boycott ruled the roost. The Men in Green were eventually cleared to compete in the game.
