Explained: Why was Dasun Shanaka given not out in Super Over despite being run-out?

India and Sri Lanka played out a thrilling tie in the final game of the Super Four round in the Asia Cup on Friday (September 26). India ended up winning the Super Over but the contest also witnessed a controversial incident that sparked discussion among fans on social media.

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The incident happened in the Super Over when Sri Lanka were batting. On the fourth ball of the over bowled by Arshdeep Singh, Dasun Shanaka was adjudged out caught behind by the umpire following a confident appeal from the Indian team.

Meanwhile, the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was quick to react as he also ran Shanaka out with a direct hit when the batter was attempting to steal a run. Shanaka was well short of his crease and should’ve been dismissed run-out as well.

Now, this is where the cricketing rulebook comes into play. The ball was dead as soon as the umpire had adjudged the batter out caught behind and hence, the run-out appeal didn’t even stand. Shanaka reviewed the caught-behind decision and it appeared that he hadn’t edged the ball and eventually survived.

Even though he was run-out, the cricketing rulebook allowed him to continue to bat in the Super Over.

What does the rule exactly say?

According to MCC’s Laws of Cricket, specifically Rule 20.1.1.3, a ball is considered ‘dead’ the moment a batter is adjudged OUT by the on-field umpire.

“The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal,” the law states.

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However, it didn’t matter much for India as Shanaka was dismissed on the very next ball of the Super Over and Sri Lanka were restricted to only two runs.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill came out to bat for India to score three runs and they won it off the first ball. The India skipper smashed three runs off Wanindu Hasaranga on the first delivery as India remained unbeaten in the ongoing Asia Cup in six matches. They will be in action on Sunday now in the grand final against Pakistan.

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