India’s dominant 88-run win over Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup 2025 was overshadowed by a dramatic and confusing run-out involving Pakistani opener Muneeba Ali. The incident, which occurred during the 4th over of Pakistan innings at Colombo R. Premadasa Stadium, led to visible frustration on the field and raised serious questions about umpiring decisions and the understanding of cricket laws.
While Team India celebrated the early breakthrough, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana expressed her strong disagreement, even stepping outside the dressing room to confront the fourth umpire. But was the decision technically correct? Let’s break it down.
What Happened: Full Sequence of the Run-Out Incident
- The drama unfolded on the last ball of the 4th over.
- Indian bowler Kranti Gaud delivered a ball that hit Muneeba pad.
- Team India appealed for LBW, which was turned down by the on-field umpire.
- Meanwhile, the ball deflected and was quickly picked up by Deepti Sharma, who threw it back at the stumps.
- Muneeba was out of her crease and tried to ground her bat again.
- The ball hit the stumps just as her bat appeared to be in the air.
- Initial replays were unclear, and she was given not out.
- However, a second, more detailed replay showed her bat not grounded when the bails were dislodged.
- The third umpire overturned the decision and gave her out.
Fatima Sana, the Pakistan captain, walked up near the boundary ropes and argued with the fourth umpire. According to her, Muneeba wasn’t attempting a run, and her bat had previously been grounded. However, ICC rule book does not consider previous grounding valid unless the batter is running or diving to complete a run.
@cricketaakash – The wicket is about to come,
— Asia Voice 🎤 (@Asianewss) October 5, 2025
After that a wicket came in the next over.
What a prediction sir, I really salute you.
Kranti Gaud to Muneeba Ali, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!#INDWvPAKW #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/YPvzAS0KL1
What Do the ICC Rules Say? (Law 30 Reference)
Let’s look at the exact rules involved:
Law 30.1.1 (Out of Ground): A batter shall be considered out of their ground unless some part of the bat or person is grounded behind the popping crease.
Law 30.1.2 (Not Out When Running or Diving): A batter is not considered out of ground if they had previously grounded their bat or person while running or diving, even if it momentarily loses contact with the ground.
Why Muneeba Was Out:
She was not running or diving. She had completed a defensive movement and momentarily lifted her bat. So when the stumps were broken and her bat was in the air, she was considered out of her ground.
With this win, India continued their unbeaten record over Pakistan in Women’s ODIs — 12 wins out of 12 encounters. This was also India second win in the tournament, while Pakistan now has two back-to-back losses, weakening their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
While the emotions ran high and Pakistan team showed visible disappointment, the decision was in line with ICC official playing conditions. Muneeba momentary lapse — lifting the bat when the ball was still live — cost her and her team dearly in a crunch situation.
