Seeking redemption from their previous loss against Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United’s captain, Shadab Khan, opted to field first upon winning the toss in Rawalpindi.
After limiting the Karachi Kings to 150 runs in the initial innings, Islamabad’s opening pair faced a shaky start with early wickets falling within the powerplay. As Shadab Khan and Agha Salman steadied the ship, an unexpected verbal altercation unfolded, involving the on-field umpire, during the chase.
In the tenth over, Mohammad Nawaz delivered a full ball down the leg side, prompting Salman to attempt a sweep shot. A sound caught the wicketkeeper’s attention, leading to an appeal for a catch behind.
Despite the plea, umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge remained unmoved initially, only to signal a wide after a brief pause, sparking controversy between the captains.
Karachi’s skipper, Masood, was taken aback by the delayed call and opted to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS). Observing this, Shadab approached Masood, attempting to dissuade him from reviewing the wide decision, resulting in a heated exchange between the two experienced Pakistani cricketers.
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Subsequent replays on the big screen confirmed no contact with the bat, but the ball had brushed Salman’s thigh, leading to the wide being overturned into a legitimate delivery.