IPL 2023: Why Ravi Bishnoi was given not out despite backing up too far in the last ball? Explained

Ravi Bishnoi was given not out despite backing up too far in the last ball against RCB.

The IPL is full of drama, and the last two days in the league has truly proven these words. First Rinku Singh’s 5 sixes in 5 balls to chase down 29 runs in the final over, then Lucknow Super Giants last over chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore had given the fans the drama they expect to watch in the league. Lucknow won their third game in the IPL 2023 by just one wicket and with a last ball finish. LSG required one run in one ball to go tabletop, then all of sudden Harshal tried to Mankad Run out Ravi Bishnoi at the non-striker's end to increase the amount of drama in the clash.

Drama in the last over

Initially, Harshal tried to dislodge the bails but failed and then he stopped and threw the ball at the non strikers stump. The ball did hit the stump when Bishnoi was about to reach the crease but the umpire was unmoved by all the drama going on at the business end of the game. This raised a debate among the fans about why Bishnoi was given not out. According to the MCC rule book, a bowler can not get the non striker out for backing too far if he has gone closer to almost releasing the ball.

What the MCC law states?

MCC law 38.3.1.2 says, “Even if the non strikers has left his or her ground before the instant at which the bowlers would normally have been expected to release the ball, once the bowler has reached that point it is no longer possible for the bowler to run out the non striker under this Law”. This law clearly states that once the bowler has reached the point of delivering the ball they can't get the non strikers out for backing up too far.

Lucknow’s middle order helped them chase 205 runs even after losing the first 3 wickets in the first 4 overs. Marcus Stoinis (65) and Nicolas Pooran (62) smashed quick half centuries to put Lucknow in command after initial blows. Lucknow did panic during the last two overs but finally ended up dramatically winning against RCB.