The storied rivalry between India and Pakistan added a controversial new chapter on February 15, 2026, during the 6th Match of Group A at the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup in Bangkok. While the scoreboard reflected a dominant eight-wicket victory for India A, the match will be remembered for a heated confrontation involving Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Yusra Amir and India’s star performer Vrinda Dinesh.
Pakistan wicket-keeper’s controversial act to remove Vrinda Dinesh sparks cheating claims
The flashpoint occurred during a tense over from Pakistan’s Gull Rukh. Vrinda, looking to anchor the Indian chase, played a soft defensive shot. In a moment of high drama, the ball spun back toward the stumps, threatening to dislodge the bails. Reacting with pure cricketing instinct, Vrinda attempted to nudge the ball away with her bat—a move legally permitted to protect one’s wicket.
However, Pakistan wicketkeeper Amir intervened in a manner that many observers labelled as unsporting. Amir lunged forward, using her gloves to physically obstruct Vrinda’s bat, preventing her from making the second strike. A heated exchange ensued between the two players as the umpires stepped in to de-escalate the situation. Television replays confirmed that Amir’s gloves made direct contact with Vrinda’s bat before the batter could clear the ball. After a brief deliberation, the officials ruled in favor of the batter, declaring Vrinda Not Out.
The incident sparked an immediate debate regarding the MCC Laws of Cricket. Under Law 37.2, a batter is protected from an “obstructing the field” charge if they are making a second strike to guard their wicket lawfully (as per Law 34.3). Conversely, Amir’s actions fell under the scrutiny of Law 41.5.1, which deems it unfair for any fielder to willfully attempt to distract, deceive, or obstruct a batter after the ball is in play. By physically hindering the batter’s legal right to protect her stumps, the Pakistani keeper skirted the boundaries of fair play.
Here’s the video:
🚨Pakistani team caught CHEATING!
These folks can never be honest in anything. They appealed for hit wicket while deliberately trying to guide the ball to hit the wicket.
The Third Umpire, however, saw through their deceit and ruled it NOT OUT. pic.twitter.com/Dk12tny56T
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) February 16, 2026
India A secure thumping win against Pakistan A in Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026
Despite the mid-pitch drama, India A’s performance was nothing short of clinical. Chasing a modest target of 94, India suffered an immediate setback when Humaira Kazi fell for a golden duck on the very first ball of the innings to Waheeda Akhtar. However, that was where Pakistan’s celebrations ended.
Vrinda Dinesh turned her frustration into aggression, smashing a blistering 55 off just 29 balls, including 12 boundaries. Her half-century, reached in just 25 deliveries, effectively broke the back of the chase. Alongside Anushka Sharma (24), Vrinda accelerated the scoring, guiding India to 50 runs within the first 6 overs. India eventually reached 97/2 in just 10.1 overs, finishing the game with nearly 10 overs to spare.
Earlier in the day, the Indian bowling unit, led by Saima Thakor (2/14) and Radha Yadav (2/11), dismantled the Pakistan A lineup. Pakistan struggled to find any rhythm, collapsing from 15/2 to a meager 93 all out in 18.5 overs. Only Shawaal Zulfiqar (23) showed any significant resistance before falling to the relentless Indian spin attack.
With this comprehensive victory, India A cements its position at the top of Group A, while Pakistan A is left to answer questions regarding both their batting collapse and the controversial tactics behind the stumps.
Also READ: Ayabonga Khaka, Laura Wolvaardt power South Africa to dominant T20I series triumph over Pakistan
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
