Pakistan on Friday once again failed to defend a big total as England overhauled 340 runs total for the loss of seven wickets in 49.3 overs.
After a mid inning collapse England inning was stablised by Ben Stokes who turned out as match winner and Tom Curran who scored 31 before getting out.
However there was one incident that could have changed course of the match. Tom Curran was clearly run out but Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz didn’t appeal and umpires didn’t refer decision to third umpire.
It all happened in the 43rd over of the England innings when they were 273 for 6, chasing a total of 341. Mohammad Hasnain was bowling and Tom Curran was on strike. The English were in acceleration mode, requiring 68 from 46 balls. Hasnain bowled a length ball to Curran who pushed it at mid-wicket area. However, Ben Stokes, the partner, did not take the run initially. Curran was sent back and he almost was run out.
The ball was thrown directly back and it hit the stumps and it deflected, allowing the batsmen to run two. As Curran was trying to complete the second run at the striker’s end, the bails were dislodged and light up. His bat was yet not inside but strangely, Sarfaraz did not go for an appeal and the matter wasn’t referred to the TV umpire. Curran (31) survived and added 61 crucial runs with Stokes (71 not out) in 7.2 overs to help England win yet another cliffhanger in the final over by 3 wickets.
When asked about it Sarfaraz Ahmed said, “I thought both bails were already off and that’s why I didn’t appeal for the run-out”.