The high-voltage India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 match in Colombo took an unexpected turn when Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali was run-out in unusual fashion. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 5, during Pakistan’s chase of 248, led to confusion, protest, and heated discussions on the field. What looked like a routine appeal turned into one of the most controversial moments of the tournament so far. Deepti Sharma’s sharp presence of mind saw her strike the stumps as Muneeba drifted outside her crease, seemingly unaware of the ball’s position. However, it was the subsequent third-umpire decision reversal that left Pakistan’s camp furious and divided cricket viewers across the world.

Muneeba Ali’s bizarre run-out sparks controversy in India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup clash

The drama unfolded on the final delivery of Kranti Goud’s fourth over when her ball struck Muneeba on the pads. As India appealed for LBW, Muneeba stepped out of her crease and hesitated to return. Deepti, noticing the opportunity, quickly threw down the stumps. Initially, it seemed the Pakistan batter had managed to ground her bat just in time. However, replays revealed a crucial detail, Muneeba’s bat was slightly raised when the stumps were broken.

The third umpire, Kerrin Klaaste, first declared her not out but revisited the footage after further checks. Upon closer review, it was clear that Muneeba’s bat had lost contact with the ground at the exact moment the bails were dislodged. After much deliberation, Klaaste overturned her initial call to ‘out,’ shocking Pakistan’s dugout. Fatima Sana, visibly upset, walked out of the dressing room to question the fourth umpire, engaging in an animated discussion as Muneeba stood dejected near the boundary line.

Also READ: Did Fatima Sana actually say ‘tails’? Toss confusion steals spotlight in IND-W vs PAK-W World Cup 2025 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

A controversial out of Muneeba ali here

This will go down as a debate after the match was she out or not

– pakistan chasing 247 here

Looks a tough call for pakistan. #CWC2025 pic.twitter.com/FjJJwurfNK

— kashif farid (@kash8778) October 5, 2025

Muneeba Ali was first given out by the third umpire, then the decision was reviewed again and upheld. Has this ever happened before? pic.twitter.com/eDKDrVAIDh

— Abdul Wasey Naik (@WaseyNaik) October 5, 2025

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I recall a change to the laws that once your bat has originally been grounded in a run out situation, you are safe.

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) October 5, 2025

Muneeba Ali was initially given not out because she had placed her bat behind the crease but after some time, the umpire gave her out. This is really poor. @BCCI, even ragging a women’s game . Have some shame#icc #BCCI #WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/GwtZXIwSo2

— Zohaib Hassan 🇵🇰 (@Zohaib6809) October 5, 2025

Outrageous… they do not know the rule… once Muneeba grounded her bat she cannot be ruled out after that…TV umpire deserved a reprimand #PAKvsIND #WomensWorldCup2025

— Shahid Hashmi (@hashmi_shahid) October 5, 2025

Don’t understand how Muneeba has been given out there

— CricCritic (@CricCritic2) October 5, 2025

It’s Not Out Muneeba Ali, Very Unfair Decision by third umpire😴

— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝗴 🇵🇰 (@harisbaig741) October 5, 2025

ICC = BCCI. https://t.co/n5khQkgZM8

— Usama Zafar (@Usama7) October 5, 2025

CONTROVERSY!!
Such a pathetic decision, Cricket is not an entertainment anymore, Now this sport is only the business of BCCI and ICC! Disgusting Disgusting Disgusting 👎#INDvsPAK #PAKvsIND #CWC25

— 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻 (@crushaapka) October 5, 2025

Absolute CIRCUS at the Premadasa right now

3rd umpire has given Muneeba Ali runout but Fatima Sana is arguing with the 4th umpire

Finally after 10 mins, we’re onto the next ball 😭#CWC25

— Skiddy (@world_choker) October 5, 2025

Law 30.1 explained: Why the decision stood despite protests from Pakistan cricket fans

According to MCC’s Law 30.1, “a batter is deemed out of her ground if neither the bat nor any part of her body is grounded behind the popping crease when the stumps are broken. The only exception occurs if a batter, while diving or running, has already grounded the bat or body past the crease before losing contact,”

In Muneeba’s case, although she did ground her bat initially, it was raised in the air when the stumps were hit  making her legally out. The decision, though technically correct, sparked debate over spirit versus law in cricket. Many argued that the reversal came too late and disrupted the game’s momentum. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s protest highlighted the team’s frustration, while Indian players maintained it was within the laws of the game. The bizarre dismissal, now viral online, once again raised questions about precision in umpiring decisions and the fine margins that define high-pressure World Cup contests.

Also READ: IND-W vs PAK-W: Rain to play spoiler in Colombo? Here’s the hourly weather forecast for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 game

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.