Colombo: Controversy marred the India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup clash in Colombo on Sunday after opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed in a contentious run-out during her side’s chase of 248.

On the final ball of the fourth over, Indian players appealed for an lbw off Kranti Gaud, but the on-field umpire turned it down. Immediately after, Deepti Sharma struck with a sharp direct hit at the striker’s end, dislodging the bails. Muneeba appeared unaware, and replays showed her bat was airborne and her feet outside the crease when the stumps were broken.

Initially, the TV umpire declared her not out, but after a second review the decision was reversed, ruling her out. Muneeba was on a slow 2 (12) when dismissed.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was seen in animated discussion with the fourth umpire following the decision.

Under MCC Law 30.1, a batter is out of her ground if no part of her body or bat is grounded behind the popping crease at the relevant end. The law also states that a batter is not considered out of her ground if, in the act of returning, she loses contact after having grounded some part of her person or bat beyond the crease. The key point was that Muneeba’s bat was lifted at the moment the stumps were broken.

Earlier, the no-handshake practice between India and Pakistan continued from the Asia Cup. During the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur spun the coin and Fatima Sana called tails, but presenter Mel Jones heard heads. ICC Match Referee Shandre Fritz failed to note the discrepancy and awarded the toss to Pakistan, who chose to field.