In a highly anticipated Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh held in Rawalpindi, a significant controversy erupted following the dismissal of Pakistani captain Shan Masood. The incident occurred during Pakistan’s first innings when Masood was dismissed for just 6 runs off a delivery from Shoriful Islam. Initially given not out by the on-field umpires, Bangladesh opted for a review, leading to a decision by third umpire Michael Gough who ruled Masood out. This decision has sparked a heated debate.
The Controversial Dismissal
Shan Masood’s dismissal came after he attempted a shot and was caught by Litton Das. The crux of the controversy revolves around whether the ball actually made contact with Masood’s bat. The batsman argued vehemently that the ball had not touched his bat but had instead struck his thigh pad before being caught. However, the replay showed a marginal call that convinced the third umpire to overturn the original decision. Many fans and analysts debated whether Masood should have been given the benefit of doubt, which is a common practice in cricket.
Shan Masood’s Outburst
The moment the third umpire’s decision was announced, Shan Masood was visibly shocked. He engaged in a heated discussion with the on-field umpires, insisting that the ball had not hit his bat. His frustration was palpable as he was seen showing the replay to his coaching staff in the dressing room, further demonstrating his disbelief over the ruling. Pakistan’s support staff were also unhappy with the decision, indicating a united front against what they felt was a poor call.
Twitter Reaction
Out or not out❓
Shan Masood is dismissed by Shoriful Islam. #PAKvBAN #TestOnHai #PAKvBAN #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/8OgkgQKHPa
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 21, 2024
Pakistan’s Disastrous Start
This incident was emblematic of Pakistan’s rocky start in the match. Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for just 2 runs in the fourth over, followed by captain Shan Masood, who fell for 11 runs in the seventh over. Star batsman Babar Azam was a notable casualty, getting out without scoring in the ninth over, leaving fans stunned as this marked the first time Babar exited a Test match without adding to his score in Pakistan. The early wickets left the team struggling and set a challenging tone for the innings.
The Aftermath
The match continued to build tension as spectators and analysts reacted to the events unfolding on the field. Shan Masood’s performance, both on and off the field, will be scrutinized, and how it affects his captaincy going forward is yet to be seen. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Pakistan to see if they can recover from this disheartening start and what strategies they will employ to regain control of the game.
