Why Didn’t the Umpire Award a Six Even Though the Ball Landed Beyond the Boundary? Here’s the Rule
Vancouver: An unusual incident took place during the first semi-final of the Canada Super60 T10 tournament in Canada on Sunday. A delivery from the bowler bounced so high after pitching that it went straight beyond the boundary rope almost as if a batsman had hit a six. However, the umpire did not signal a six, leaving many fans puzzled.
In a rare moment in cricket, USA fast bowler Ali Khan, representing the Mississauga Masters, bowled a bouncer to retired West Indies star and Toronto Sixers player Kieron Pollard.
The delivery was so short-pitched that after bouncing, it sailed over the wicketkeeper’s head and crossed the boundary rope. Spectators were stunned. Many wondered how the ball had gone beyond the boundary without even coming close to Pollard’s bat. In reality, Ali Khan had bowled the delivery as an aggressive attempt to unsettle the batsman.
The umpire declared the delivery a wide, but despite the ball crossing the boundary after bouncing, it was not counted as a six. Instead, the batting side was awarded four byes in addition to the one-run wide. As a result, Toronto Sixers received a total of five extra runs.
What Does the Cricket Rule Say? Social Media Reacts
According to the Laws of Cricket, a six can only be awarded if the ball touches the batter’s bat and then crosses the boundary on the full. In this case, Pollard did not make any contact with the delivery. The ball passed well above and away from him before going beyond the boundary after bouncing.
Therefore, the umpire correctly signalled four byes along with one run for the wide, giving Toronto Sixers five extras in total.
The incident sparked debate on social media, with several fans questioning whether such traditional rules still suit modern cricket. Many argued that certain old regulations should be revised to reflect the fast-changing nature of the game.
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What Was the Result of the T10 Match?
Pollard played a quickfire innings of 40 runs from just 14 balls, smashing four sixes and three fours. Toronto Sixers posted 130 for four in their allotted 10 overs.
Ali Khan claimed two wickets in his two-over spell for Mississauga Masters. In reply, Mississauga could manage only 121 for seven in 10 overs. Toronto Sixers won the thrilling contest by nine runs and advanced to the final.