There’s a lot at stake whenever India and Pakistan square off on the cricket field. No wonder, the players and even the match officials face intense scrutiny for each of their moves in such a marquee fixture.

In the ongoing India versus Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash, Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal became the talk of the town. The Pakistan opener was removed by Hardik Pandya in the third over of the game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Fakhar looked in good touch as he took down Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik in the first couple of overs. However, Hardik had the last laugh as he dismissed the southpaw for 15 runs.

However, Fakhar’s wicket stirred a controversy and the left-hander wasn’t one bit pleased with the third umpire, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who adjudged him out.

Fakhar Zaman edged a delivery from Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. The on-field umpire ruled him out, but the Pakistani batter hung around and the decision was deferred to the TV umpire to check whether the catch was clean.

The ball appeared very close to the ground before going into the gloves. Palliyaguruge saw replays from multiple angles and eventually came to a conclusion that the catch was fair, as the fingers were underneath the ball. Fakhar though was left livid with the verdict as he shook his head while walking back.

The cameras also caught Pakistan coach Mike Hesson fuming with the decision when he welcomed Fakhar back in the dugout.

Former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis, who was on-air at the time, said that Fakhar was rightly miffed as Sanju didn't take the catch properly. “I am not sure that the ball carried to Samson. It seemed like the ball bounced before the ball went into Sanju Samson's gloves. That's the main reason why Fakhar was so shocked and stunned and rightly so,” quoted Waqar.

However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri disagreed, saying that the replays have to be conclusive for the third umpire to overturn the on-field verdict.

“It has to be conclusive for an on-field decision to be turned around. For the third umpire, Samson had his fingers under the ball,” said Shastri on commentary.

Earlier, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both India and Pakistan made two changes to their playing XI from the previous game.

The arch-rivals met in the group stage last week, and India emerged victorious by seven wickets.