Why Dasun Shanaka Was Not Given Run Out? IND vs SL Asia Cup

Why Dasun Shanaka Was Not Given Run Out? One of the greatest moments of confusion was witnessed in the IND vs SL Super Over showdown during the Asia Cup 2025, when Dasun Shanaka was the centre of attraction in a strange sequence that had him first being declared out caught behind and then apparently run out before finally being ruled not out on both occasions.

The drama came out on the fourth ball of Sri Lanka’s Super Over against India, and fans, players, and pundits were discussing what they had just witnessed.

Why Dasun Shanaka Was Not Given Run Out?

Dasun Shanaka was denied a yorker by Arshdeep Singh, earning the Indian side an appeal for a caught behind. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson tossed down the stumps as Shanaka was out of his crease, appearing to catch him out run.

However, the on-field umpire indicated that Shanaka was out caught behind after the direct hit by Samson. Shanaka decided to go for a DRS review against the caught behind decision.

Third Umpire Review: Not Out on Both Counts

The third umpire, Masudur Rahman, checked the replays and sure enough, there was no edge. therefore, not out for caught behind. Then came the dilemma, was he also run out, as the ball had struck the stumps before the umpire’s caught behind?

As per the MCC Laws of Cricket, when an umpire declares a batter out (in this case, for caught behind), the ball is considered dead at the moment. So any movement thereafter including Samson’s throw to run out Shanaka did not count.

Key Rule: MCC Law on Dead Ball

“The ball will be considered to be dead from the moment of the incident leading to the dismissal.”

As the first appeal for caught behind resulted in a decision from the umpire, the ball was dead by then. The attempt at run-out thus occurred subsequent to the ball being technically dead and hence Shanaka was not out in both the instances.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Suryakumar Yadav Response

Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya explained after the game:

“Under the rules, if you refer to the catch, then Dasun might go to the third umpire. It was the first decision that matters always, not the second one. So he referred it, and it was not out.”

India captain Suryakumar Yadav was noticed talking to umpires, apparently asking about the sequence of events, but the decision held.

Dasun Shanaka Dismissed the Very Next Ball

But Dasun Shanaka’s reprieve lasted only until the very next ball, when he mistimed a stroke and was caught at deep third to leave Sri Lanka with only three runs on the board.

India took the target in their stride, as Suryakumar Yadav punched Wanindu Hasaranga’s first ball through the covers, wrapping up an easy win for India and leaving them unbeaten headed into the final.

Dasun Shanaka Incident Highlights Grey Areas

The IND vs SL Super Over drama surrounding Dasun Shanaka has initiated discussion regarding clarity in the enforcement of cricket laws, and especially at times of high stress. The rules were appropriately enforced, but due to the absence of instant communication, there was visible confusion on the field.