Afghanistan officials discuss with match officials after the decision change.© X (Twitter)
India A crashed out of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 at the hands of Afghanistan A in the semi-final, after the Afghans put up a mammoth 206 batting first. However, despite their sensational first innings, controversy erupted in the middle of the Afghan batting. The opening partnership of 137 runs between Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari was broken when the latter was given out caught behind. However, a big row followed, with the Zubaid raising a finger at the umpire, and the Afghanistan coach instructing him to not leave the field.
While initially the umpire had not raised his finger, after a long third umpire check, Zubaid was given out. With no DRS (Decision Review System) available at the Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman, Zubaid was visibly unhappy with the change in decision.
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2024
The controversy heightened when it seemed as if the Afghanistan coaching unit had advised Zubaid to not leave the field of play, as they engaged in discussion with the match officials. At one point, the coaching staff of both India and Afghanistan could be seen heavily debating the dismissal.
big drama on ground as Zubaid Akbari refuses to leave after being out. Finally, Tilak Varma and match referee had to tell him to go. #INDAvsAFGA pic.twitter.com/ck5KzOe3zo
— Nomad Filmi (@NomadFilmi) October 25, 2024
Eventually, Zubaid did walk off, having scored a well-made 64 off 40 balls.
India A vs Afghanistan A, Emerging Teams Asia Cup semi-final: As it happened
Following Zubaid's dismissal, opening partner Sediqullah Atal got out for 83, while a late flurry from Karim Janat (41 off 20) took Afghanistan to 206.
In reply, India lost openers Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh, as well as captain Tilak Varma, within the powerplay. Things went from bad to worse, as Nehal Wadhera departed by the 10th over.
Ramandeep Singh played a lone hand in the end, striking 64 off 34 balls. While his heroic effort couldn't help India over the line, he could still be celebrating into the night, having been announced as a member of India's T20I squad against South Africa.