Play was briefly halted in Dubai on Wednesday after on-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on the ear by a throw throughout the Asia Cup Group A conflict between Pakistan and the UAE. The incident occurred in the sixth over of UAE’s chase when a throw again to the bowler caught the Sri Lankan umpire on the left ear. Palliyaguruge, who had his again turned, seemed visibly dazed as Pakistan fielders instantly rushed to his support. The staff physio was referred to as, and after a brief delay the reserve umpire took the discipline in his place. Earlier, Pakistan posted 146 for 9 in their 20 overs after being requested to bat first, a complete that owed a lot to Fakhar Zaman’s counterattacking 50 off 36 balls and a late cameo from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afridi smashed an unbeaten 29 from 14 deliveries, together with two sixes, to carry the innings from collapse.
Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge makes his method off the discipline after being hit (Screengrab)
UAE’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Junaid Siddique returning figures of 4 for 18 and Simranjeet Singh Kang including 3 for 18 to maintain Pakistan to an achievable complete for UAE. Pakistan’s high order faltered once more, with Saim Ayub dismissed for his third successive duck in the match and Abdullah Shafique additionally dropping his wicket cheaply. Chasing 147 to safe qualification to the Super Four, UAE’s innings was disrupted early by Pakistan’s spinners. Saim Ayub struck in his first over whereas Abrar Ahmed additionally eliminated UAE captain Muhammad Waseem in his opening spell to boost his staff’s hopes. With either side underneath strain, the sudden damage to the umpire added one other twist to an already dramatic contest that was delayed by an hour and even was underneath risk of a Pakistan boycott forward of its begin.