Picture Credit: X
Controversy erupted in the second semi-final clash of the ACC T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, when India A locked horns with Afghanistan A. The match that took place on Friday, October 25, saw Afghanistan team members protesting against the unfortunate dismissal of Zubaid Akbari. Notably, Afghanistan A took down India A by a margin of 20 runs to pave their way into the final of the tournament. Afghanistan, led by Darwish Rasooli, will lock horns with Bangladesh A, in the summit clash of the tournament on October 27.
During the game, a controversial moment erupted when Afghanistan opener Zubaid Akbari was ruled out. He was given out after a catch by wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh, off an Aaqib Khan delivery. In the semifinal match, Akbari and Sediquallah Atal built a crucial 137-run stand with their 64 runs and 83 runs respectively, in 14.1 overs. The batters laid a solid foundation for their 206 for 4. Rasikh Salam, on the Indian side, ended up with figures of 4-0-25-3.
Chaos unfold in second Emerging Teams Asia Cup semi-final over controversial dismissal of Zubaid Akbari
On the first ball of the 15th over, bowled by Aaqib Khan, Akbari attempted a flick but ended up missing the ball. It landed safely in the hands of the keeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh, as he dived to his right to collect it. Singh, along with Khan appealed for a review, but the umpire didn’t seem to be convinced. However, Indian players went for an appeal, compelling umpires to engage in a decision. The discussion was then referred to the third umpire, who made a decision and signalled the on-field umpires to adjudge Akbari out.
As expected, the decision didn’t leave Afghanistan A team happy and Akbari refused to leave the field. The batter engaged in a debate with the umpire while the coach was also livid and had a discussion with a match referee. On the other hand, India A coach Sairaj Bahutule joined the discussion as well. The batter had to then leave the crease after a knock of 64 runs of 41 deliveries.
