Watch: Pakistan were denied a crucial breakthrough in their T20 World Cup group stage match against the West Indies when the umpire signalled a no ball moments before Tuba Hassan delivered a wicket-taking delivery.
Having restricted the West Indies to 72-2 off the first 13 overs, Pakistan looked set to keep them to a chasable total batting second. As Tuba began her short run up to deliver the ball to Chinelle Henry, who was only two balls into her innings, umpire Lauren Agenbag called dead-ball. Tuba was entering her delivery stride at that point.
Having already committed to the release, Hassan released a full, loopy delivery on the leg stump. Henry chipped the ball in the air off her pads into the leg-side. The fielder ran in from the deep to take a comfortable catch at deep mid-wicket and celebrated, assuming a legitimate dismissal. The crowd, unaware of Agenbag’s call, cheered the catch as music blared around the stadium.
Even the commentators were seemingly in the dark as Mpumelelo Mbangwa exclaimed “fielder out there, catch taken, top work!” on air before pausing as Agenbag reiterated her call and waved her arms signalling dead-ball once more.
The Pakistan players looked less than amused at being denied the breakthrough. It is unclear why the ball was signalled dead while Tuba was in her delivery stride. To add further frustration, Henry hit the repeat of the delivery for four over extra-cover.
The West Indies went on to score 116-4 in 20 overs before restricting Pakistan to within three runs of their target in a nail-biting finish. Pakistan needed 18 off their final over, and Aliya Riaz taking them to within touching distance by hitting three fours before she was dismissed with two balls remaining.
Watch the incident here.
