Sanath Jayasuriya raises questions over IND-SL Super Over drama:Third umpire instructs to reverse on-field decision; runout controversy rule explained

The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Sri Lanka on Friday night turned into a thriller, ending in a dramatic Super Over at the Dubai International Stadium. While India eventually clinched victory, the match was overshadowed by a major controversy involving Dasun Shanaka’s dismissal during the India-Sri Lanka clash on Friday. The confusion erupted when Shanaka was seemingly run out by Sanju Samson during the Super Over. However, the third umpire ruled him not out, leaving Indian players frustrated and sparking heated discussions about the fairness of the decision. The incident not only created tension on the field but also led Sri Lanka’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, to call for improvements in cricket’s existing rules. Despite the drama, India went on to chase down the three-run target in the Super Over, with captain Suryakumar Yadav sealing the win off the very first ball. But the controversy continues to dominate conversations even after the result. How did the runout controversy happen? Batting first, India posted a strong total of 202/5, setting Sri Lanka a target of 203. In reply, Sri Lanka matched India’s score, finishing on 202/5, pushing the game into a Super Over decider. During the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh bowled the fourth delivery to Dasun Shanaka. No run was taken, and umpire Ghazi Sohail initially gave Shanaka out caught behind. However, before the decision was signalled, Shanaka started running, and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson quickly threw down the stumps to run him out. Sri Lanka challenged the caught-behind decision with a review. The Ultra Edge showed there was no contact with the bat, and the third umpire overturned the dismissal, allowing Shanaka to stay at the crease. Also read: Five survivors from last IND-PAK final return for title decider: Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, old rivals who might face off again in Dubai Indian players argue with on-field umpires The reversal left Indian players stunned. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, visibly unhappy, along with half the team, surrounded the on-field umpire seeking an explanation. They argued that since Sanju Samson had completed the run out before the umpire officially signalled the dismissal, Shanaka should have been out. However, umpire Ghazi Sohail clarified that according to the laws of cricket, the first decision given by the umpire is considered valid. Since Shanaka was initially given caught out, the ball was deemed dead immediately. Therefore, the subsequent runout did not count. What does the rule say? The situation was explained with reference to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Law 20.1.1.3, which states: “As soon as a batsman is given out, the ball becomes dead.” This means that even though the caught-behind decision was later overturned, the moment Shanaka was declared out by the on-field umpire, the ball was officially dead. Consequently, Sanju Samson’s runout could not be considered valid. Sanath Jayasuriya calls for rule changes Sri Lanka’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, added fuel to the debate after the match, questioning whether such rules are fair in modern cricket. He argued that while the umpire’s decision was technically correct, the law itself creates unnecessary confusion and should be improved. Also read: Abhishek, Hardik, and Tilak injured before final vs Pakistan: India bowling coach downplays Pandya’s fitness concern; Tilak sustained leg injury “According to the rules, the first decision is considered valid. When Shanaka was given out, the ball was considered dead. Later, when the decision was changed in review, that was accepted. But I believe rules should be improved to avoid such situations,” Jayasuriya said after the game. India prevails despite controversy Despite the heated debate, India kept their focus and successfully chased down the modest target in the Super Over. Needing just three runs, captain Suryakumar Yadav smashed the very first ball for a boundary, sealing the win for his side.