In a make-or-break game for two Asian teams; Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Welsh capital Cardiff are wrestling out to qualify for the semi-final spot which witnessed a bizarre review from Men in Green skipper Sarfraz Ahmed after spilling the ball, before bundling out Sri Lanka on 236 in 49.2 overs.
As mercurial Pakistan looked competitive unit with the ball while showing quality improvement in fielding, after two teams England and India had already qualified for the semis, the Sarfraz-led side has kept things under control following a breezy spell from Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir, who shared five wickets.
The incident took place on the penultimate delivery of 34th over; when left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir steamed in to find the edge of the Asela Gunaratne’s bat which further saw skipper diving to his right and holding onto a low catch on the very first attempt.
However, Sarfraz was up on his feet without wasting a moment – to ask for the review straight away as the on-field signal was not out before umpires; Marius Erasmus and Bruce Oxenford went upstairs to check with the third umpire.
Interestingly, TV replays suggested the ball popped out of his glove while turning and making a landing which clearly revealed wicket-keeper’s elbow hit the turf before ball spills.
https://twitter.com/lKR1088/status/874246225742188544
The right-handed batsman Gunaratne, who is known for his pyrotechnics, was trying to cut the ball which further took thick outside edge before Sarfraz made a mess of it after clinging onto a brilliant catch of Niroshan Dickwella.
Before the catch was dropped by Sarfraz, Sri Lanka was struggling at 165 for six which further saw Sri Lanka struggled against Pakistan spinners as they lost four wickets by six runs when they were 161 for three at one stage before reaching 167 for seven in 35 overs.
Coming to the conclusion, even knowing he didn’t complete a clean catch Sarfraz went for a review after trying to collect the ball in his second attempt.