The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the official authority and guardian of cricket’s laws, has decisively confirmed the correctness of the third umpire’s decision regarding Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali’s run-out against India during their recent Women’s World Cup clash. This clarification puts to rest a significant controversy surrounding the dismissal during Pakistan’s 88-run defeat.
The incident unfolded during Pakistan’s pursuit of 248 runs. In the final ball of the fourth over, Muneeba Ali, facing a delivery from Kranti Gaud, was the subject of an LBW appeal. While she was visibly out of her crease, Deepti Sharma’s sharp throw found the stumps. Although replays showed Muneeba had initially grounded her bat beyond the popping crease, it was unfortunately airborne when the bails were dislodged, leading to her dismissal for just two runs after a review by third umpire Kerrin Klaaste.
This decision immediately ignited a debate, with Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana Khan expressing her contention that Muneeba had no intention of taking a run and had already secured her ground.
Responding to the widespread discussion, the MCC issued a formal statement to elucidate the law. They cited the relevant section: “A batter shall not be considered to be out of his/her ground if, in running or diving towards his/her ground and beyond, and having grounded some part of his/her person or bat beyond the popping crease, there is subsequent loss of contact.”
The MCC further elaborated on the nuance of this “bouncing bat Law,” which was introduced in 2010. They explained that while Muneeba had indeed grounded her bat, she was not “running or diving” towards her ground. Instead, she had simply taken guard beyond the crease and at no point did her feet move back into a safe position. The law’s purpose is to shield a batter who might inadvertently lose contact with the ground due to the natural motion of running or diving. It does not extend protection to a batter who is merely standing, turning for another run, overbalancing, or, as in Muneeba’s specific instance, simply lifts their bat into the air. Therefore, the third umpire’s call to declare her out was deemed “entirely correct.”
Further clarity was provided regarding the type of dismissal. The MCC affirmed it was a “Run out” because even though Muneeba wasn’t actively attempting a run and it wasn’t a No ball, the wicket was broken by a fielder’s throw, not directly by the wicket-keeper without external intervention. Thus, the umpires’ decision stood as “Out, Run out.”
Ultimately, India delivered a dominant performance, setting a target of 247 runs and then restricting Pakistan to just 159 runs in 43 overs, securing a decisive victory.