In a peculiar turn of events during the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Saturday, July 27, Sri Lanka managed to score five runs from an overthrow. The unusual play left many fans puzzled as to why five runs were awarded instead of six. Here’s a detailed explanation of the incident and the relevant cricketing rule.
The Incident: During the 12th over of Sri Lanka’s chase of 214 runs, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera were at the crease. Nissanka played a delivery from Hardik Pandya towards square leg and ran for a single. A direct hit at the bowler’s end deflected off the stumps and went for a boundary.
The TV umpire reviewed the play and found that the batters had not crossed each other during their second run at the moment the deep square-leg fielder released the ball. Therefore, the fourth umpire awarded five runs instead of six.
The Rule: According to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rule 19.8:
“If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be any runs for penalties awarded to either side and the runs completed by the batters, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the throw or act.”
Since the batters had not crossed for their second run when the throw was made, only the completed run plus the boundary was awarded, totaling five runs.
What Happened in the India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I?
India’s Innings: Sent in to bat, India posted a formidable total of 213/7 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav led the charge with a brisk 58 off 26 balls, hitting two sixes and eight boundaries. Contributions also came from Rishabh Pant (49 off 33), Yashasvi Jaiswal (40 off 21), and Shubman Gill (34 off 16).
Matheesha Pathirana was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 4/40. Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, and Wanindu Hasaranga each took one wicket.
Sri Lanka’s Response: In their chase, Sri Lanka were 149/3 after 15 overs, with Kamindu Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka at the crease. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 79 off 48 balls, including four sixes and seven boundaries. Kusal Mendis added 45 off 27 balls, sharing an 84-run partnership with Nissanka for the opening wicket.
Despite a promising start, Sri Lanka’s innings faltered, leading to India’s eventual victory.
Conclusion
The five-run award instead of six during the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka was a result of MCC rule 19.8, which specifies that only completed runs plus the boundary are counted if the batters have not crossed during an overthrow. This rule was crucial in the first T20I, clarifying why Sri Lanka added five runs from the bizarre incident.
