Asia Cup: Sri Lanka’s Nissanka declared out by third umpire, no spike on UltraEdge sparks controversy

SL vs AFG, Asia Cup 2022: In a surprise decision from the third-umpire, Nissanka was declared out despite no visible spike on the UltraEdge meter for a caught behind wicket.

Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq, center, appeals for a caught behind of Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka. | Photo Credit: AP

The Asia Cup 2022 got off to a rocky start after Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal by the third-umpire against Afghanistan courted controversy in Dubai on Saturday.

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After losing two wickets in the first over, Sri Lanka landed a surprise jolt in the second when Nissanka (3) was adjudged caught behind by the wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Naveen-ul-Haq’s bowling. The ball seemed to shape away from the batter before an appeal from Afghanistan was agreed upon by the on-field umpire, Anil Chaudhary.

Nissanka was adjudged out by the third-umpire despite no visible spikes on the UltraEdge. | Photo Credit: HOTSTAR SCREENGRAB

Sri Lanka went up for a referral and in a surprise decision, the TV umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal declared Nissanka out despite no visible spike on the UltraEdge meter.

Sri Lanka was effectively reduced to five for three in two overs while several players were left stunned in its dugout after the decision.