Asia Cup Drama: Dasun Shanaka Declared Out Twice But Saved by ICC Rule in Super Over Thriller

The Asia Cup clash between India and Sri Lanka turned into a nail-biting spectacle that went all the way to a Super Over after both teams crossed the 200-run mark. India eventually clinched the victory, but not before an unusual incident involving Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka stunned players, umpires, and fans alike.

In a rare scenario, Shanaka was given out twice on the same delivery—first caught behind and then run out—yet managed to survive thanks to a little-known ICC playing condition that left even the Indian players surprised.

Double Dismissal Drama in the Super Over

The high-voltage moment occurred during Sri Lanka’s batting in the Super Over at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Facing Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, Shanaka attempted a shot on the fourth delivery. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson claimed a catch behind the stumps, prompting the on-field umpire Gazi Sohail to raise his finger.

In the chaos that followed, Samson also threw the ball back at the stumps, knocking them down as Shanaka was outside the crease. The square-leg umpire then signaled a run out.

For a brief moment, it seemed Sri Lanka had lost their captain in a double dismissal. However, Shanaka opted for a review against the caught-behind decision.

UltraEdge Turns the Game

The UltraEdge technology showed no spike, confirming there had been no contact between Shanaka’s bat and the ball. As a result, the caught-behind decision was overturned.

But here’s where the twist came in: despite Shanaka clearly being out of his crease when Samson hit the stumps, the run out was declared invalid.

The ICC Rule That Saved Shanaka

According to ICC regulations, once an umpire gives a decision of dismissal—caught, LBW, or otherwise—the ball is immediately considered dead. This means no subsequent event (such as a run out or additional runs) can be recorded from that delivery.

Since Shanaka had already been adjudged caught behind before the run-out attempt, the ball was dead the moment the umpire raised his finger. Therefore, the run out was nullified, and Shanaka survived the delivery.

Umpire Gazi Sohail was seen explaining the rule to the Indian players, who appeared puzzled at the reversal. The clarification ensured Shanaka stayed at the crease, though only briefly—he was dismissed on the very next ball.

Experts Call It a Rare Scenario

Cricket experts described the incident as an extremely rare case of double dismissal nullification. Former umpire Simon Taufel once explained a similar scenario, stating:

“The moment an umpire declares a batsman out, the delivery is dead. Even if another mode of dismissal occurs simultaneously, it cannot be recorded.”

This quirk in cricket’s laws saved Shanaka for a ball, but it couldn’t change Sri Lanka’s fortunes in the Super Over.

Fans React to the Confusion

Social media quickly lit up with reactions, with many fans calling the incident “bizarre” and “straight out of a cricket textbook quiz.” While some praised Shanaka for using the review smartly, others argued the rule was unfair to India, who technically executed a clean run out.

India Seal the Victory

Despite the drama, India held their nerves in the Super Over. Sri Lanka managed just two runs, while the Men in Blue comfortably chased the target to advance further in the tournament.

The match will not only be remembered for its Super Over finish but also for the extraordinary moment when Dasun Shanaka became the batsman who was out twice but survived—thanks to a little-known ICC rule.