Cricket

Controversy Erupts in Emerging Asia Cup Semi-Final as Umpire Reverses Decision Without DRSA dramatic controversy unfolded during the semi-final of the Emerging Asia Cup between India A and Afghanistan A in Oman, as an umpire reversed a key decision without using the Decision Review System (DRS).The incident occurred when Afghanistan opener Zubaid Akbari was initially ruled not out after an appeal for a catch behind the stumps. However, following a lengthy consultation with the third umpire, despite the absence of DRS, Akbari was given out, sparking outrage from the Afghanistan camp.Akbari, who had scored 64 off 41 balls, refused to leave the field, raising his hand in protest. The situation escalated when the Afghanistan coach instructed Akbari to stay on the field, leading to a heated discussion between officials and coaching staff from both teams.The controversial reversal of the decision created tension, with both coaching units debating the ruling. Despite the setback, Afghanistan A posted a formidable total of 206/4, the highest score of the tournament, led by a 137-run opening partnership between Sediqullah Atal (83 off 52) and Akbari. Karim Janat added a quick 41 off 20 balls to give Afghanistan a strong finish.India A, chasing 207, stumbled early, losing five wickets by the 13th over. Ramandeep Singh and Nishant Sindhu provided late resistance with a brisk 68-run stand off 31 balls, but a miscommunication led to Sindhu's run-out, leaving India with too much to do in the final overs.Abdul Rahman held his nerve in the final over, dismissing Ramandeep on the last ball to restrict India A to 186/7, sealing a 20-run victory for Afghanistan A. They now advance to the final to face Sri Lanka A.The controversy surrounding the umpire's decision has raised questions about the use of DRS in international cricket and the potential for human error to influence the outcome of matches.

India A Dominates Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Secures Semifinal BerthIndia A has emerged as a formidable force in the ongoing T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, securing an all-win record in their Group B league engagements. The team's impressive run began with a thrilling 7-run victory over Pakistan A, followed by a dominant 7-wicket triumph against UAE. In their final group match, India A showcased their batting prowess with a comprehensive 6-wicket victory over Oman.In the crucial semifinal clash against Afghanistan, India A continued their winning streak. Lucknow Super Giants youngster Ayush Badoni played a pivotal role, smashing a blistering 51 off just 27 balls. His explosive innings propelled India A to a comfortable 141-run target in a mere 15.2 overs.India A's success in the tournament is a testament to their depth and versatility. The team has displayed a balanced performance, with both their batting and bowling units contributing to their victories. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and strategies has been a key factor in their dominance.Meanwhile, in the first semifinal, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Pakistan, securing a seven-wicket victory. The Sri Lankan team will now face India A in the highly anticipated final of the Emerging Asia Cup.

Mohammad Haris Channels Virat Kohli with Spectacular Swat Flick in Emerging Asia CupIn a thrilling encounter during the Emerging Asia Cup 2024 match between Pakistan A and the UAE, Mohammad Haris showcased his exceptional batting prowess with a remarkable stroke that drew comparisons to the legendary Virat Kohli.The Pakistan A captain, who had struggled in the tournament's opening matches, made a stunning comeback with a blistering 71 off 49 deliveries. His innings was highlighted by a spectacular swat flick for six, a shot that has become synonymous with Kohli's batting style.Facing Sanchit Sharma in the 17th over, Haris remained deep in his crease and unleashed a powerful whip over deep square leg. The ball soared over the boundary, leaving both the opposition and spectators in awe. The audacious stroke was a testament to Haris's talent and the depth of Pakistan's emerging squad.Haris's innings included six fours and three sixes, helping his side post an impressive total of 179 against the UAE. His half-century was brought up with the trademark swat flick, a shot that has become a staple in Kohli's arsenal.In addition to Haris's batting heroics, Pakistan A's bowlers delivered an outstanding performance. Led by Shahnawaz Dahani's remarkable figures of 5 wickets for just 12 runs, the bowlers restricted the UAE to a mere 65 runs, securing a commanding 114-run victory.Haris's swat flick and Pakistan A's overall performance in the match showcased the immense talent and potential within the team. As the Emerging Asia Cup continues, all eyes will be on Haris and his teammates as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.

Ramandeep Singh's Sensational Catch Stuns in Emerging Asia Cup ClashIn a thrilling encounter between India A and Pakistan A at the Emerging Asia Cup, Ramandeep Singh's extraordinary catch left everyone in awe. Pakistan A opener Yasir Khan, who was in fine form with 33 runs off 22 balls, attempted a big shot through mid-wicket. However, Ramandeep sprinted towards the boundary and executed a perfect dive to complete the catch, leaving former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik to hail it as "one of the greatest catches ever by an Indian."India A's top order fired in unison, posting 183 for 8 after opting to bat. Tilak Verma top-scored with a 35-ball 44, while openers Abhishek Sharma (35 off 22) and Prabhsimran Singh (36 off 19) provided an aggressive start. Pacers Anshul Kamboj (3/33) and Rasikh Salam (2/30) and spinner Nishant Sindhu (2/15) shared eight wickets to restrict Pakistan A to 176/7.Ramandeep's stunning catch was not the only highlight for India A in the field. They delivered an impressive performance throughout, saving vital runs in the closing moments.After losing two wickets to Kamboj's pace early in the chase, Yasir Khan and Qasim Akram began to attack fiercely. However, Ramandeep's spectacular catch at deep midwicket broke their partnership, dismissing Yasir. In the same over, Nishant removed Akram.Arafat Minhas top-scored for Pakistan with a 29-ball 41, but it was Abdul Samad who blazed away to 25 off 15 balls. Samad brought the equation down to 42 off 24 balls with a six and two boundaries off Vaibhav Arora in the 16th over.However, Anshul dismissed Samad with the first ball of the final over, completing a memorable win for India A.