Ireland denied another wicket in Afghanistan T20I by incorrect no-ball decision

A controversial umpiring decision took place during the T20I series decider between Afghanistan and Ireland on March 18 in Sharjah. Afghanistan clinched the series by 57 runs. The match officials' failure to correctly judge a potential no-ball allowed Afghanistan to keep a key wicket intact, drawing criticism from the Ireland camp.

The incident occurred in the 13th over of Afghanistan's innings when they were batting on 83/3 and Mohammad Ishaq hit a powerful shot towards deep mid-wicket off Ben White's bowling.

Curtis Campher who was stationed there took a clean catch but the on-field umpire immediately signalled a no-ball, denying Ireland the dismissal despite replays appearing to show White's heel behind the crease when he landed.

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Ireland victim of yet another no-ball controversy

It was the second time in the three-match series that White was denied a caught dismissal due to an incorrect no-ball call. In the first T20I, Mohammad Nabi was let off in similar circumstances, with Ireland captain Paul Stirling failing to convince the umpires.

This time, Irish commentator Niall O'Brien questioned the decision on air, stating “That, to me, is not a no-ball.” His colleague Mike Haysman replied, "It might have been another situation where it wasn't a no ball and it was caught."

Ishaq went on to make 27 from 22 balls as Afghanistan posted 155/7 from their 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with an unbeaten 72 from 51 deliveries.

In reply, Ireland's batting faltered against the Afghan pace duo of Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai, who shared seven wickets between them. Ireland were bowled out for just 98 in 17.2 overs, with Omarzai ending with incredible figures of 4/9 from four overs.

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The 57-run victory sealed a 2-1 series win for Afghanistan over their higher-ranked opponent. After losing the one-off Test, Afghanistan made a brilliant comeback winning both ODI and T20I series against the Irish side.