Run-Out vs Mankad: Understanding Both Types of Run-Out in Cricket

The Traditional Run-Out

A run-out occurs when a batter is attempting a run and is not inside their crease when the fielding side breaks the wicket with the ball. The fielder (or wicketkeeper) takes the ball and puts down the stumps — by throwing directly, by grounding the ball on the stumps, or by the wicketkeeper removing the bails — with the batter short of the crease.

Key Run-Out Scenarios

• Direct hit — fielder throws from the outfield and hits the stumps directly
• Relay throw — ball is collected by a second fielder and the stumps are broken after a relay
• Wicketkeeper collection — keeper gathers and removes bails before batter grounds bat
• Diving catch near stumps — fielder dives, gathers, and breaks wicket in one motion

Which Batter Is Out?

When both batters are out of their crease simultaneously and a run-out occurs, the batter OUT is the one at the end being run to (the end where the stumps were broken). If both wickets are broken in the same dismissal attempt, only the batter at risk is dismissed.

What Is the Mankad?

A Mankad — now officially called a non-striker run-out — occurs when the bowler, during their delivery stride, notices the non-striker batter leaving their crease before the ball is delivered and breaks the wicket at the non-striker's end. The batter at the non-striker's end is run out without a run being attempted.

History of the Term 'Mankad'

The term comes from Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, who ran out Australian Bill Brown at the non-striker's end in 1947. Brown had been warned twice but continued to back up early. Mankad dismissed him, causing controversy. Despite modern reclassification as legitimate, the informal term 'Mankad' persists in cricket discourse.

Should Non-Striker Batters Back Up?

Non-striker batters routinely leave their crease before the ball is bowled to gain a head start for potential runs. This is standard practice. However, many consider leaving before the bowler releases the ball (rather than before they cross the popping crease) to be gaining an unfair advantage. The 2022 reclassification suggests the ICC now sides with the fielding team's right to prevent this.