A controversial moment erupted during ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup semi-final fixture between India and Afghanistan at Al-Amerat on Friday. With Afghanistan opening batter Zubaid Akbari ruled out after being given out as Prabhsimran Singh, the left-handed batter had allegedly refused to walk back as visuals surfaced of the same on social media.
The incident occurred in the 15th over of the innings as Aaqib Khan sent down a wide half-volley. The southpaw looked to flick it through the fine-leg region, but got an edge as keeper Prabhsimran Singh took the catch. What transpired next is unclear as the umpires gathered spotlight, with Indian and Afghan players coming together to discuss something with the referee.
Akbari had to eventually walk back for 64 off 41 deliveries and below is the video of the catch.
Breakthrough for India A! Aaqib Khan strikes India’s 1st wicket against Afghanistan A, sending Zubaid Akbari back to the pavilion.
Watch #EmergingAsiaCupOnStar Semi-final 2, #INDAvAFGA LIVE NOW! pic.twitter.com/tRJLeK84LK
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2024
big drama on ground as Zubaid Akbari refuses to leave after being out. Finally, Tilak Varma and match referee had to tell him to go. #INDAvsAFGA pic.twitter.com/ck5KzOe3zo
— Nomad Filmi (@NomadFilmi) October 25, 2024
Afghanistan set India 207 to win as 137-run opening stand lays the foundation:
The 137-run stand between Akbari (64) and Sediquallah Atal (83) in 14.1 overs laid the foundation for the total of 206/4 in their stipulated 20 overs. Rasikh Salam proved to be the pick of the bowlers for India with outstanding figures of 4-0-25-3, while Aaqib took one scalp.
At the time of writing this, India were in slightly tricky spot as none of their top three scored beyond 20 runs. Sri Lanka have already made it to the final of the tournament after beating Pakistan in the first semi-final.
