Nitin Menon’s Controversial Call Leaves Sri Lanka Batter Stunned In Asian Games Bronze-Medal Match
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Indian umpire Nitin Menon’s decision during Sri Lanka’s Asian Games bronze-medal match against Bangladesh left batter Nuwanidu Fernando stunned after an appeal resulted in a dismissal despite replays appearing to show no contact.
Fernando attempted to play the ball through the covers but missed, leaving a visible gap between his bat and the delivery. Bangladesh appealed, and Menon raised his finger, much to Fernando’s disbelief.
With no Decision Review System (DRS) available at the Asian Games, Fernando had no option but to leave the field. Replays subsequently appeared to contradict the on-field decision.
Sri Lanka Recover To Win Bronze
The dismissal came with Sri Lanka on 18 runs and was their third wicket. Despite the setback, Tharindu Ratnayake produced a match-winning performance, scoring 65 off 32 balls, while captain Sahan Arachige added 33.
Sri Lanka eventually posted 165/9. Bangladesh's chase collapsed as they were bowled out for 102, with each of their top three batters dismissed without scoring.
Ratnayake also contributed with the ball, taking 2/18 as Sri Lanka secured a 63-run victory and the bronze medal.
Menon Part Of ICC Elite Panel
Menon, 42, is the only Indian official among the ICC's 12-member elite panel of umpires. He was selected for the panel in 2020 and has officiated in more than 200 matches, including 141 as an on-field umpire, according to Hindustan Times.
The incident nevertheless put the spotlight on the absence of DRS at the Asian Games, leaving players with no mechanism to challenge an on-field decision when a contentious call is made.
