In a Super 4 match in the Asia Cup, something strange and very unusual happened, Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka hit a six, but the umpire called it a “dead ball,” which meant it didn’t count. Even though this was strange, Nissanka went on to play brilliantly and score his first T20I century.
The “Dead Ball” Event
The event took place during the 10th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Varun Chakarvarthy, an Indian bowler, was in the middle of his run-up for the third ball of the over. As he passed the umpire, the official abruptly said it was a “dead ball.”
Play Goes On: Varun finished his speech without knowing the call. Nissanka, who was on strike, hit the ball far into the air toward the boundary. Axar Patel, an Indian fielder, was in the right place to grab the ball but dropped it, letting it go over the boundary for a six.
No Runs posted: Players and viewers were shocked when no runs were posted to the scoreboard because the umpire had called a dead ball before the delivery. Varun Chakarvarthy had to bowl the ball again.
Pathum’s Response to Nissanka But Nissanka would not be denied. On the fifth ball of the same over, he hit another huge six, as if to make up for the runs he had missed earlier.
Nissanka’s century that broke records and the outcome of the match
The “dead ball” incident was just a small part of what turned out to be a career-defining innings for Pathum Nissanka. The Sri Lankan opener went on to make a great first T20I century off just 52 balls, achieving the milestone with another maximum.
Final Score: Nissanka hit 107 runs off 58 balls, including 7 fours and 6 sixes. Harshit Rana finally got him out in the last over.
Super Over: Nissanka’s heroics made the match a nail-biter. Sri Lanka was able to tie India’s impressive score of 202/5, which led to a thrilling Super Over.
India’s winning streak goes on.
Arshdeep Singh’s great bowling stopped Sri Lanka’s momentum in the Super Over. The pacer got Kusal Perera out on the first delivery, leaving Sri Lanka with only two runs. Later, he got Dasun Shanaka caught out, leaving Sri Lanka with only two runs. India easily chased down the target on the opening ball, scoring the three runs they needed to win the match and stay undefeated in the competition.