Sri Lanka, led by Sahan Arachchige, won the toss and opted to bat first at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. However, they made a poor start, losing both openers within 2.5 overs with just 12 runs on the board. They slipped to 18-3 in the next two balls when No.4 batter Nuwanidu was caught behind by Litton Das.

The dismissal immediately drew attention, with viewers believing Nuwanidu had not made any contact with the ball. Al Islam bowled a length delivery that turned away from over the wicket. Nuwanidu looked to push it through point but seemingly edged it, allowing Litton to complete the catch.

The Bangladesh fielders went up in appeal, and Menon raised his finger, leaving Nuwanidu stunned. Replays later showed a big gap between the bat and the ball as it passed the bat, with the commentator saying: “He is miles away from that; no idea why that was given out. From first look, it didn’t even look close.”

Daylight between bat and ball and a brain-fade moment for umpire Nitin Menon. 😀pic.twitter.com/DnjGoueaaL

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) October 3, 2026

The Asian Games was being played without DRS, meaning Nuwanidu had no option of going upstairs to the third umpire for a review.

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He walked back for 1, and Sri Lanka’s situation worsened when they lost Sohan de Livera soon after. At 54-5, they were in all sorts of trouble, but Tharindu Ratnayake’s 32-ball 65 helped them recover to 165-9.

The total proved to be 63 runs too steep for Bangladesh, as Sri Lanka clinched the bronze medal.

Later, India defeated Pakistan in the final to win their second successive gold medal in the tournament.

Menon is just one of 12 umpires who are part of the Elite Panel, and the only umpire from India on the list.

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