Run away in defeat (4)
I believe the answer is:
rout
'defeat' is the definition.
(I know that rout is a kind of defeat)
'run away' is the wordplay.
'run' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'away' becomes 'out' (synonyms).
'r'+'out'='ROUT'
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for rout that I've seen before include "Total defeat in battle" , "Debacle" , "Overwhelming defeat or disorderly retreat" , "snore" , "Easy victory (or defeat)" .)