Sometimes strange things happen in the game of cricket. They can confuse even those who are familiar with the rules. A similar incident took place in a semi-final match of the recent Canada Super60 tournament. 

A ball bowled by a bowler went past the batter and wicket-keeper and landed directly in the stands. Normally, everyone thinks that if this happens, seven runs (wide + six) will be scored. However, the umpire surprised everyone by giving only five runs. Let us now see the real reason behind this decision.

The semi-final match was held between the Toronto Sixers and Mississauga Masters at BC Place in Vancouver. This strange incident took place in the 9th over of Toronto's innings, when they batted first. Mississauga pacer Ali Khan was bowling, while Kieron Pollard was at the crease. 

Ali Khan's bouncer went out of control and went over the heads of Pollard and the wicketkeeper and landed directly in the stands beyond the boundary line. The commentators who saw it immediately considered it a wide and a six, which was considered seven runs.

However, the on-field umpire gave a wide signal and awarded only five runs. Seeing this, the players and the audience were also confused. However, according to the rules of the 'Marylebone Cricket Club' (MCC), the umpire's decision was correct. 

According to MCC rule 19.7.1.. If the ball hit by the batter's bat goes directly beyond the boundary line, it is considered a six. In this case, the ball did not hit the batter's bat.

At the same time, according to rule 19.7.2.. if the ball goes directly beyond the boundary without hitting the bat, it is considered a boundary 4. To this, one run is added in the form of a wide. With this, a total of 1 (wide) + 4 (boundary) = 5 runs were added to the account of the Toronto team. As many people were not aware of this rule, there was initially confusion over the umpire's decision.

Now, as for the match.. Batting first, the Toronto Sixers scored 130 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 10 overs. Kieron Pollard played a brilliant innings by scoring 40 runs in just 16 balls. Later, the Mississauga Masters fought hard in the chase of the target. Although Alex Lees created havoc with 39 runs in 11 balls, the team eventually lost by 9 runs. 

With this victory, the Toronto Sixers qualified for the final. In the other semi-final, the Vancouver Anchors won by 6 wickets against the Brampton Blitz. With this, Toronto and Vancouver will face off for the title.