Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka dressing room not in peace with third umpire after a controversial no-ball call

The India-Sri Lanka clash produced another nail-biting thriller as the islanders prevailed in another last-over finish. But the contest had its share of controversy during the Indian innings when Indian batter Deepak Hooda was dismissed for a short ball, only to be handed a reprieve by the third umpire, who deemed the delivery illegitimate. The Sri Lankan dressing room was seen vexed with the umpire's decision.

India were put in to bat first and were rocked early by the quick dismissals of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. But Indian skipper Rohit Sharma anchored the innings with a ballistic knock before meeting his demise in an attempt to push the scoring rate. The Men in Blue looked to capitalize on their skipper's assault and were looking to score quick runs at the death.

Hooda, who has played some breathtaking cameos in the recent past, was looking to do the same in the 18th over before being dismissed off a short ball from Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka. But the Indian batter was told to wait by the on-field umpires as the TV umpire checked for a no-ball for height. The umpire ruled in favour of the batter, deeming the delivery illegitimate as Shanaka had already bowled the one legal bouncer allowed in the over. 

The decision did not go down well with the Sri Lankan coaching staff as the head coach Chris Silverwood was seen arguing with the third umpire in the aftermath of the controversial decision along with other members of the coaching staff. But it did not prove costly for the Sri Lankans as Hooda was dismissed in the next over with just three runs to his name. 

Notably, the Indian middle order, for a second successive game, failed to maximize scoring opportunities in the middle overs. Apart from Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, none of the India batters managed to breach the 20-run mark, and India were once again left with bowlers at the crease in the final over of their innings.