Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali was bizarrely run out against India during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in Colombo after her bat lifted off the ground. The controversial dismissal, upheld under Law 30, sparked heated debates and on-field protests.
Unusual and dramatic scenes unfolded at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, as Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed in one of the most bizarre fashions seen in international cricket.
Pakistan were chasing a competitive target of 248 runs, set by India, who were earlier bowled out for 247. The match, already carrying the high-pressure aura of an India-Pakistan contest, took an unexpected turn in the fourth over when Muneeba’s dismissal left players and fans equally stunned.
On the last ball of the over, bowled by Kranti Gaud, Muneeba initially survived a strong lbw appeal. India decided against reviewing the on-field call of “not out,” but later replays showed that the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps — all three reds on the DRS tracker. As India’s fielders began to regroup, Muneeba momentarily stepped out of her crease. Sensing an opportunity, Deepti Sharma threw the ball directly at the stumps, catching Muneeba unaware.
Initially, it seemed Muneeba had safely grounded her bat inside the crease. However, slow-motion replays revealed a twist — as the ball struck the stumps, her bat was in the air, having slightly bounced off the turf after being grounded. Though the on-field umpire gave her not out, the third umpire’s careful inspection overturned the decision. Muneeba was declared run out for just two runs, sparking heated debates on and off the field.
Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana immediately approached the fourth umpire, visibly unhappy with the ruling. Muneeba stood close by, appearing frustrated and confused about the turn of events. Fatima argued that since Muneeba had already grounded her bat once and was not attempting a run, she should be considered “in her ground.” But after a lengthy discussion, the officials upheld the decision, clarifying that the dismissal was in strict accordance with Law 30 of cricket’s playing conditions.
According to Law 30.1, “A batter shall be considered to be out of her ground unless some part of her person or bat is grounded behind the popping crease at that end.”
Further, Law 30.1.2 specifies an exception: a batter will not be out of her ground if she has already grounded some part of her bat or body beyond the popping crease while running or diving, even if the bat later loses contact. However, this clause does not apply when the batter is stationary and not in the process of completing a run.
This distinction proved crucial in Muneeba’s case. Because she was not running or diving but merely standing after defending the ball, she was deemed out of her ground once her bat lifted as the throw hit the stumps.
The dismissal triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many fans calling it “one of the strangest run-outs ever seen.” Cricket experts, however, defended the umpires’ decision, emphasizing that while it looked harsh, it was technically correct as per the laws of the game.
Former cricketers and analysts debated whether common sense should prevail over technicalities in such situations. Some suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) could consider revisiting the rule to prevent such incidents in the future, where a batter is penalized despite not attempting a run.
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The incident temporarily shifted the momentum in India’s favor, as Pakistan, already under pressure, lost an early wicket in their chase. Muneeba’s unusual dismissal added a touch of controversy and drama to what was already one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Cricket lovers across the globe will likely remember this moment — not for a spectacular shot or a thrilling wicket — but for a rare and perplexing instance of how a minor lapse in awareness and a nuanced interpretation of cricket’s rulebook can change the course of a crucial World Cup game.
