Fatima Sana’s pointed dismissal of Shafali Verma sparks criticism from Vivek Razdan during Women’s Asia Cup 2026

During the India‑Pakistan Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 match at Dubai International Stadium on 5 September 2026, Pakistan fast bowler Fatima Sana’s gesture of pointing toward the pavilion after taking a return catch to dismiss Shafali Verma became the focal point of discussion. The on‑field moment prompted an immediate reaction from commentator Vivek Razdan on the live broadcast.

The dismissal occurred in the second over of India’s chase. Earlier, Shafali had lofted Sadia Iqbal for a six in the first over and driven Sana for a boundary on the second ball of that same over. On the following delivery, a full‑length ball induced a leading edge as Shafali tried to guide it to the leg side, and Sana completed the return catch cleanly. Her innings concluded with 12 runs from six balls, featuring one four and one six.

Razdan was unrelenting, condemning Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for the gesture even though her side had been dismissed for only 55 runs in their first innings.

“Okay, you are showing her the way out. Your entire team just scored 55 runs, and now you’re sending Shafali Verma back,” said Razdan on air.

Pakistan’s batting collapse sets up Razdan’s on-air rebuke

Pakistan began promisingly at 27/0, but their innings collapsed against India’s spin trio. They were bowled out for 55 in 18.1 overs, marking their lowest total in Women’s T20I history. India’s bowlers generated 78 dot balls, and Pakistan lost their final ten wickets for only 28 runs. Shree Charani, a 22‑year‑old left‑arm orthodox spinner, took three wickets for seven runs in four overs. Prema Rawat, a 24‑year‑old leg‑spinner, recorded three for nine, while Deepti Sharma claimed two for five in 3.1 overs, and Shafali added one for ten in three overs.

Sana also made an impact with the ball during India’s chase, dismissing Smriti Mandhana for nine, Pratika Rawal for four, and Shafali for 12, leaving India at 29 for 3. Nevertheless, Harmanpreet Kaur, unbeaten on 18, and Deepti Sharma, unbeaten on 12, steered India to 57 for 3 in 8.4 overs. Harmanpreet finished the match with a six over the ground, securing a seven‑wicket win with 68 balls remaining.

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