CWC 2025 : Deepti Sharma’s bullet throw removes Muneeba Ali during IND vs PAK match

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The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 showdown between cricket giants India and Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo delivered high drama on Sunday, October 5, with an incident that has ignited debate across the global cricketing community. Chasing a competitive 248, Pakistan sent opener Muneeba Ali alongside Sadaf Shamas—who replaced Omaima Sohail in the lineup—to face the Indian bowling attack.

During the fourth over delivered by Kranti Goud, Muneeba advanced down the pitch, hoping to keep the scoreboard ticking. Responding instantly, India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma produced a rocket throw at the non-striker’s end, striking the stumps with precision. Though Muneeba had initially grounded her bat behind the crease, television replays showed her bat hovering above ground as the bails were disturbed. The incident was immediately sent upstairs, with the third umpire making the crucial call: Muneeba Ali was out, leading to visible frustration as she left the field, while Fatima Sana was seen in discussions with the fourth umpire near the boundary ropes.

What just happened there? 😮👀

Appeal? Not out? But wait… Deepti Sharma's sharp instincts helped #TeamIndia get the first breakthrough! 💪🏻🇮🇳

Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/CdmEhf3jle#CWC25 👉 #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports network & JioHotstar

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 5, 2025

Also READ: Fans erupt as India overpower Pakistan by 88 runs to reach top of Women’s World Cup 2025 points table

The dismissal sparked heated on-field conversations, and off-field debate about the application of wicket-breaking laws in international cricket. Pakistan’s camp argued that Muneeba was safely home and showed no intention of running, which, in their view, should have been grounds for a not out decision. However, experts and commentators pointed towards MCC Law 30, which unequivocally states that “a batter shall be considered to be out of his/her ground unless some part of his/her person or bat is grounded behind the popping crease at that end,” and adds that grounding must be maintained unless the loss of contact comes from diving or running beyond the crease.

Crucially, replay footage confirmed that Muneeba’s bat had indeed been airborne at the instant the bails were removed—fulfilling the technical criteria for a run-out under the prevailing laws. Even though the on-field circumstances appeared contentious with Muneeba not attempting a run, the law was applied correctly, leaving little scope for reversal after third-umpire review. The incident adds to the ongoing discourse on the interpretation of cricket laws in high-pressure world cup matches and highlights the importance of awareness and vigilance in batting discipline at this elite level. Muneeba managed just two runs off 12 balls before her exit, echoing Pakistan’s top-order batting woes in recent matches.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.