A tense and dramatic moment turned heads during the sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo when Pakistan’s opening batter Muneeba Ali was involved in a highly controversial run-out against India.
The incident happened on the final ball of the fourth over and created confusion and tension on the field. Muneeba Ali seemed to have grounded her bat safely just before a delivery from Indian pacer Kranti Gaud hit her pads. The on-field umpire initially gave her not out, but the left-handed batter had stepped outside her crease and returned to ground her bat again.
Muneeba Ali’s run-out leaves Pakistan fuming in Colombo
The situation turned even more dramatic when Deepti Sharma’s throw hit the stumps while the Pakistani opener lifted her bat. Then, the third umpire, Kerrin Klaaste, came into the picture. Multiple replays showed different angles, and Muneeba appeared to ground her bat and then lift it, which made the decision very confusing.
After reviewing, the third umpire declared Ali out, sparking heated reactions from the Pakistan team. The Pakistan camp was visibly frustrated. Captain Fatima Sana argued for a long time with fourth umpire Kim Cotton while Ali waited at the boundary to come off the field.
The coaches and other support staff were also shocked, pointing fingers and discussing the dismissal. The tension and confusion were clear on everyone’s faces. On the other hand, the Indian team stayed calm and composed, showing no reaction to the drama unfolding against their rivals.
Muniba’s run-out issue has already been settled: Diana Baig
After India won the match by 88 runs in Colombo, Pakistan pacer Diana Baig confirmed that the issue had been settled within the team and chose not to comment further when she was asked about the dismissal. She made it clear that there was no need to discuss it anymore.
Diana Baig told reporters, as quoted by the Hindustan Times, “Muniba’s run-out issue has already been settled, I believe. I don’t want to talk much about it now. Whatever happened and whatever the situation was, I think it has been resolved.”
Mel Jones explains controversial run-out of Muneeba Ali in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against India
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Mel Jones explained the controversial run-out of Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. She clarified that Ali was not running or diving when her bat lifted after grounding, which was why the third umpire ruled her out.
According to the cricket law, a batter is only considered safe if running or diving while keeping some part of the bat or body in contact with the ground. Since Ali was stationary, lifting her bat meant she lost contact with the crease, leading to the dismissal.
Mel Jones said on air during the India-Pakistan match, “Law of cricket 30.1.2. A batter shall not be considered to be out of her ground in running or diving towards her ground and beyond, and having grounded some part of her bat, the bat beyond the popping crease.”
The broadcaster further added, “There is subsequent loss of contact between the ground and any part of her person or bat, or between that and the person. So, she wasn’t running, and she wasn’t diving. And so, because of that fact, there was no running or diving; that is the reason why she’s been giving out.”