Play was briefly halted in Dubai on Wednesday after on-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on the ear by a throw during the Asia Cup Group A clash between Pakistan and the UAE. The incident occurred in the sixth over of UAE’s chase when a throw back to the bowler caught the Sri Lankan umpire on the left ear. Palliyaguruge, who had his back turned, looked visibly dazed as Pakistan fielders immediately rushed to his aid. The team physio was called, and after a short delay the reserve umpire took the field in his place. Earlier, Pakistan posted 146 for 9 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first, a total that owed much 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, including two sixes, to lift the innings from collapse.
Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge makes his way off the field after being hit (Screengrab)
UAE’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Junaid Siddique returning figures of 4 for 18 and Simranjeet Singh Kang adding 3 for 18 to keep Pakistan to an achievable total for UAE. Pakistan’s top order faltered again, with Saim Ayub dismissed for his third successive duck in the tournament and Abdullah Shafique also losing his wicket cheaply. Chasing 147 to secure qualification to the Super Four, UAE’s innings was disrupted early by Pakistan’s spinners. Saim Ayub struck in his first over while Abrar Ahmed also removed UAE captain Muhammad Waseem in his opening spell to raise his team’s hopes. With both sides under pressure, the unexpected injury to the umpire added another twist to an already dramatic contest that was delayed by an hour and even was under threat of a Pakistan boycott ahead of its start.