Colombo, Sri Lanka – A dramatic moment unfolded during the India-Pakistan Women's World Cup 2025 clash on Sunday, October 5th, when Pakistan's opener, Muneeba Ali, was controversially run out. The incident occurred during Pakistan's chase of 248, adding further pressure to their already struggling innings. The dismissal sparked debate and left the Pakistan camp unhappy.

The sequence began when a delivery from India's Kranti Gaud struck Ali on the pads, prompting an immediate appeal. Ali, momentarily out of her crease, attempted to regain her ground. She grounded her bat initially, but as the ball struck the stumps, replays showed that the bat was slightly raised, and her feet were not within the line.

The third umpire initially ruled the decision as not out. However, after Kerrin Klaaste, the umpire, reviewed the visuals again, the decision was overturned, and Ali was given out. This reversal triggered immediate reactions, with Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, visibly expressing her disagreement to the fourth umpire.

According to Law 30.1.2, a batter is not out if they have grounded their bat or person beyond the popping crease while running or diving, and subsequently lose contact with the ground. However, this law also stipulates that the batter must maintain contact with the ground to remain safe. In Ali's case, the third umpire determined that she had lost contact at the crucial moment when the ball hit the stumps.

The dismissal occurred with Pakistan in a precarious position, struggling at 28/3 in their chase. Ali's wicket further compounded their woes, contributing to a batting collapse. Ultimately, India won the match, adding another chapter to the intense rivalry between the two nations.

The controversial run-out quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans and pundits weighing in on the decision. Some argued that the benefit of the doubt should have been given to the batter, while others defended the umpire's decision based on the letter of the law.

Adding to the tension, the match was also marred by an umpire's toss error and the absence of handshakes between the teams, mirroring the frosty relations often seen in men's encounters. The game was also temporarily halted due to a swarm of bugs and flies at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The rivalry between India and Pakistan continues to be played exclusively on neutral grounds due to ongoing political tensions.