Pakistani bowler Diana Baig broke her silence on the controversial runout of Muneeba Ali during the India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC ODI Women’s World Cup. The unusual incident took place in the second innings, when Pakistan had to chase 248 runs.

Muneeba Ali, the left-hand opener, had been batting slightly out of her crease when Kranti Goud’s delivery hit her pad, prompting an LBW appeal. At the same time, it was being solved out by the third umpire, who showed ‘Not Out’ on the screen. Muneeba’s bat was lifted momentarily; with that, Deepti Sharma’s direct throw hit the stumps. To which, the third umpire, after multiple replays, ruled Muneeba Ali out.

Muneeba Ali would already have been out, if India had sought a review on-field for the not-out LBW decision, Muneeba would likely have been given out in that manner, too. The wicket had put Pakistan in a difficult position at 6 for 1 in 4 overs. Following the decision, there was a short delay as the Pakistan players were seeking clarification.

Former Australian cricketer Mel Jones explained the ruling on air, citing MCC Law 30.1.2: “A batter shall not be considered out of her ground while running or diving if she has grounded some part of her bat or person behind the popping crease.” Jones noted that since Muneeba wasn’t running or diving, the law didn’t protect her once she lifted her bat, justifying the dismissal.

In the post-match conference, Daina Baig downplayed the incident. “Muneeba’s run-out issue has already been settled, I believe. I don’t want to talk much about it now,” she said, adding that the matter had been resolved internally.

Despite all the controversy, India's performance was quite clinical. Harleen Deol scored 46 runs off 65 balls, and Richa Ghosh elevated it with 35 runs off 20 balls to help India reach 247 on a tricky pitch, after a toss-up mix-up allowed Pakistan to bowl first. Kranti Goud produced a ridiculously good spell of 3 for 20 to dismiss the top order, and despite a valiant 81 from Sidra Amin, India's spinners sent out Pakistan for 159. India won comfortably by 88 runs and improved their 12-0 ODI record over Pakistan.