Decoded: Why umpire adjudged Dasun Shanaka not-out despite being outside the crease in IND vs SL Asia Cup Super Over drama

A major controversy erupted during the India versus Sri Lanka's Asia Cup Super Four clash which was decided by a thrilling Super Over at the Dubai International stadium. The incident involved Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka being given not-out despite India's wicketkeeper Sanju Samson hitting the stumps from a delivery by Arshdeep Singh while Shanaka was clearly outside his crease.

How Dasun Shanaka escaped run-out even after Samson’s direct hit?

The on-field call was referred to the third umpire, who inexplicably ruled Shanaka not out, leaving the Indian players shocked and prompting a lengthy discussion with the umpire to clarify the decision. Although Shanaka was dismissed on the very next ball, the controversial call briefly threatened to impact the outcome of the match.

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The rule behind the decision

The reason behind the contentious "not-out" decision lies in the specific rules governing the Decision Review System (DRS). Shanaka was initially given out caught-behind from Arshdeep Singh's delivery. The Sri Lankan captain immediately requested a review. Crucially, he asked for the review before Samson's throw hit the stumps to attempt a run-out. According to DRS regulations, once a review is called, the ball is considered dead, and any subsequent action, such as the run-out attempt, does not count. Therefore, since the run-out occurred after the review was requested, the third umpire disregarded it, leading to the controversial "not-out" verdict on the run-out appeal.

This is what Irfan Pathan has to say on the run-out drama