Watch: Sai Sudarshan's dismissal in Emerging Asia Cup final against Pakistan A sparks debate over controversial umpiring

India A vs Pakistan A (Source: Twitter)

India A's dominant run in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 was thrashed by Pakistan A in the summit clash by a massive 128-run win on Sunday. Tayyab Tahir’s magnificent hundred helped Pakistan to post a mammoth total of 352-8. Having given the 'Men in Green' the upper hand early on, India looked hopeless and were bowled out for 224 in the second innings.

Apart from opener Abhishek Sharma's brilliant 51-ball 61, none of the other batters stepped up in the crucial encounter against the arch-rivals. Abhishek's partner, Sai Sudarshan, who was the standout performer in the group stage vs Pakistan A, was unable to replicate his effort. Sudarshan was looking good with 29 off 28 balls but struggled against pacer Arshad Iqbal, who set up beautifully to dismiss the left-hander.

However, his dismissal, which gave Pakistan the first breakthrough, sparked huge controversy as many on social media found it as a no-ball. Sudarshan was getting short deliveries from Iqbal and on one such delivery he mistimed his pull shot and was caught by Mohammad Haris. Though he was given out, the opener waited near the boundary line in the hope of overturning the decision, believing that the right-arm seamer had overstepped.

The 21-year-old had to go to the pavilion after the third umpire ruled in Pakistan's favour despite replays showing that Iqbal's front leg was close to the crease. Social media users believed that it was a clear no-ball and had a major impact on India's defeat.

Watch the video of Sai Sudarshan being dismissed: 

Arshad iqbal setup against Sai Sudharsan. 🥵 pic.twitter.com/VHi3hvAesi

— umair (@xdselenophile) July 23, 2023

3rd umpire judges it as a Legal Delivery. pic.twitter.com/WDwDpJAyAq

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 23, 2023

Tahir and Sufiyan Muqeem guided Pakistan A to register a famous victory over India A

India missed the trick by sending Pakistan to bat first despite the chasing team had lost eight matches in the tournament. Half-centuries from openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan followed by Tahir's 108 off 71 balls set the stage for Pakistan. A 3-fer by Sufiyan Muqeem and two wickets each by Mohammad Wasim Jr, Iqbal and Mehran Mumtaz sealed Pakistan's victory and helped them clinch their second consecutive title.

However, the Men in Blue will be proud of their campaign as they fielded an entirely under-23 side without any international experience, while Pakistan A had eight experienced players in their team.