Explained: Why Dasun Shanaka was ruled not out after direct-hit run-out | IND vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Over drama

Saurav Goyal

Explained: Why Dasun Shanaka was ruled not out after direct-hit run-out | IND vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Over drama image

The Super Over between India and Sri Lanka brought one of the most confusing moments in the match.

Dasun Shanaka, running for a risky single, appeared to be in trouble after a direct-hit from Sanju Samson, yet the umpire ruled him not out.

Fans and players alike were left scratching their heads at the unusual decision.

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Dasun Shanaka run-out controversy in Super Over - Why was he ruled safe?

In the Super Over, Shanaka tried to take two runs off Harshit Rana’s delivery but misjudged the run. The ball rolled to long-on, and while the Indian fielders fumbled, Shanaka dived to complete the second run.

At that moment, a third run was on, but Shanaka, still recovering from his dive, couldn’t capitalize.

Later, Arshdeep Singh bowled, and Shanaka attempted another risky run. Samson threw down the stumps with a direct hit.

However, since the umpire at the bowler’s end had already given Shanaka out caught behind, the ball was dead when the direct-hit occurred.

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The decision left many surprised. UltraEdge technology confirmed there was no contact between bat and ball, but the initial appeal for caught behind meant the first call stood.

The umpire, Gazi Sohel, explained to the Indian players why Shanaka was ruled not out. The reason he wasn’t run out was because the ball was already considered dead after the first caught-behind appeal.

If that appeal hadn’t been made, the direct-hit from Samson could have ended Sri Lanka’s Super Over in a very tricky situation.

How India beat Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025 Super Over thriller

The game ended in a thrilling Super Over after Sri Lanka just missed the target on the final ball.

Nissanka played brilliantly, scoring his first T20I century, despite struggling with fitness and running between wickets early in the innings. Along with KJP, he put on a 127-run partnership that put India under pressure and made boundaries flow easily.

MORE: Asia Cup 2025 format: Explaining group stage and Super Four format for Asia Cup T20 tournament

The momentum shifted when Kuldeep Yadav bowled a tight over, followed by Varun Chakaravarthy dismissing KJP. Asalanka and Kamindu also struggled, which forced Nissanka to face more pressure and lose the strike at crucial moments.

He reached his century but was dismissed on the first ball of the final over, leaving Sri Lanka needing three runs from the last ball.

In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh delivered a perfect yorker, allowing India to take the win with just one ball to spare. India remained unbeaten in the tournament and head into the final as strong favorites, though the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma remains a concern. 

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Saurav Goyal

Saurav Goyal is a Content Producer at the Sporting News with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.