Asia Cup 2022: “Even gully umpire wouldn’t give that out” - Twitterati baffled as third umpire declares Pathum Nissanka caught behind in controversial manner in SL vs AFG match
The first controversy of the Asia Cup 2022 erupted within minutes of the tournament getting underway as Pathum Nissanka was given out in a controversial fashion. The Sri Lankan batter was adjudged caught behind for three off Naveen-ul-Haq’s bowling in the match against Afghanistan in Dubai.
Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl first in the game against Sri Lanka on Saturday (August 27). On the last ball of the second over, Nissanka attempted an aggressive stroke against the Afghan pacer but could not connect and was given out caught behind.
The Sri Lankan batter took the DRS and UltraEdge showed only a slight spike as the ball went past the bat. However, to the horror of Nissanka as well as the entire Lankan camp, the third upheld the on-field decision. The stunned Sri Lankan batter had to walk back in disbelief as Sri Lanka crumbled to five for three after two overs.
Like the Sri Lankan camp, Twitterati were also baffled over the third umpire’s controversial decision. Here are some reactions from shocked cricket fans:
Where is the spike ? "I have not seen something like this" says Sanjay Manjekar as Pathum Nissanka controversially given out #AFGvSL https://t.co/57CHdfBGQe
Never saw any spike on the ultra edge re Pathum Nissanka's review. Horrible decision by the 3rd Umpire Jayaraman.
How is that OUT?? That was an ATROCIOUS CALL by 3rd UMPIRE.. #AFGvSL #SLvAFG #Nissanka
Nissanka Got Robbed
Thanks to Anil Chaudary
Where the hell umpire saw a spike there bad umpiring, sad for nissanka
#SLvsAFG
#AsiaCup2022
Would be interested to see what the explanation for that Nissanka decision is. No way you can say ultra edge gave any evidence to suggest there was a nick. #AsiaCup #SLvAFG
How come Pathum Nissanka is given out ??? If that’s the bench mark no use of Ultra Edge 😤
Nissanka given out by TV umpire with no bat involved. Strange and poor umpiring in opening game of Asia Cup 2022
#AsiaCup2022
#SriLanka
#SrilankaVsAfghanistan
Worst decision by umpire of LBW #Nissanka of #SriLanka @ICC @ACBofficials
What is the use of technology. Too much sensitive...
What was that? Why did the umpire give Nissanka out? #AFGvSL
That's a terrible decision by the third-umpire. Nissanka very unlucky there. That's not a tall spike on the ultra-edge. The murmurs were because of his back-foot dragging simultaneously when the ball crosses the bat. Inexperience of the umpire evident there. #AFGvSL #AsiaCup2022
What is This? This Level of Umpiring in Asia Cup and Its Just the Start of The Tournament! 😱
Pathum Nissanka was Clearly Not Out from My Point of View, I Think Everyone will be Surprised🥺
What are Your Thoughts? #AsiaCup2022 #AsiaCup #SLvsAFG #SLvAFG #AFGvSL #AFGvsSL #INDvPAK
#AFGvSL #AsiaCup2022
Third Umpire taking decision on Pathum Nissanka's Dismissal: https://t.co/HSZ2AY7ghD
Pathum Nissanka was given out. The murmur was so slightest that you could question the ultra edge. But the bat was really close to ball and the umpire gave out on the field.
The fact that third Umpire was convinced easily with this faintest edge is bit baffling to me.
#SLvAFG https://t.co/6LU5Pr6koj
Nissanka given out by third umpire ultra edge showing there is no bat involved...
I ve seen Steve Buckner early-stage but for me Jayaraman Madanagopal is way above Buckner....even gully umpire wouldn't given that out after all the conclusive evidence.
#AsiaCup2022 #AFGvSL 😅
Sri Lanka get off to horror start against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022 opener
After Afghanistan won the toss and bowled first, Sri Lanka lost two wickets in the first over itself. Kusal Mendis (two) and Charith Asalanka (0) were trapped lbw by Fazalhaq Farooqi off the last two balls of the first over.
There was more trouble in store for the Lankans as Nissanka was given out in puzzling fashion.
The batting side fought back courtesy of Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. However, just when Sri Lanka seemed to be finding some rhythm, Mujeeb Ur Rahman sent back Gunathilaka for 17. The Lankans were 64 for five after 10 over as Wanindu Hasaranga also perished to Mujeeb.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana.
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.