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Cricket is often defined by its big hits and brilliant bowling. But sometimes, it’s what happens on the edge of the field that steals the spotlight. We’re talking about boundary catches in cricket — those gravity-defying moments where fielders become legends by leaping, diving, or juggling just inches from the rope.
In an era where every run matters, boundary catches in cricket are game-changers. They require perfect timing, incredible athleticism, and supreme awareness. Let’s revisit the Top 7 most jaw-dropping boundary catches in cricket history — catches that didn’t just wow fans, they flipped the script.
1. Trent Boult vs West Indies (2019 World Cup)
- Date: June 22, 2019
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Match: NZ vs WI
With Carlos Brathwaite going berserk, Trent Boult stood inches from the rope and completed a stunning boundary catch under pressure. It sealed a 5-run win for New Zealand.
Why it’s unforgettable:
The catch was taken with such calm in such chaos — true mastery of boundary catches in cricket.
Impact: Ended a classic World Cup thriller.
2. Faf du Plessis vs India (Johannesburg, 2013)
- Date: December 2013
- Venue: Wanderers
MS Dhoni was threatening to shift the momentum. Faf du Plessis sprinted across the boundary, leaped high, and plucked the ball out of the air with his entire body airborne.
Why it stands out:
One of the most athletic boundary catches in cricket — like a mid-air photo finish.
Impact: Prevented a late surge from India in a tense match.
3. Kieron Pollard vs Australia (St. Lucia, 2021)
- Date: July 14, 2021
- Venue: Daren Sammy Stadium
Mitchell Marsh launched a ball toward long-on, but Pollard timed his leap perfectly, hung in the air, and grabbed it with one hand over the rope.
Why it’s legendary:
Pure power meets pure athleticism — boundary catches in cricket rarely look this effortless.
Impact: Lit up social media and turned the match.
4. AB de Villiers vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2018)
- Date: May 17, 2018
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Running full speed, AB de Villiers leaped horizontally and snatched what looked like a guaranteed six. Even the batsman applauded.
Why it’s iconic:
One of the few boundary catches in cricket that made fans stand mid-match and applaud both teams.
Impact: Sparked RCB’s comeback in the IPL.
5. Suresh Raina vs Pakistan (Asia Cup 2014)
- Date: March 2, 2014
- Venue: Mirpur
With Hafeez attacking, Raina ran to long-off, leaped, and balanced mid-air while making sure he didn’t touch the rope. The awareness and calm were elite.
Why it matters:
It’s one of the most intelligent boundary catches in cricket, blending athleticism with game sense.
Impact: Put India back in the match.
6. Tim Southee & Martin Guptill (NZ vs SA, 2012)
- Date: February 2012
- Venue: Wellington
A six-bound hit was mid-air juggled between Guptill and Southee, who teamed up brilliantly to complete a relay catch. The coordination was flawless.
Why it’s rare:
Tag-team efforts like this define boundary catches in cricket as a two-player masterpiece.
Impact: Crucial in restricting a powerful South African lineup.
7. Harleen Deol vs England (Women’s T20, 2021)
- Date: July 9, 2021
- Venue: Northampton
Harleen Deol ran to the boundary, caught the ball, realized her momentum would carry her over — so she threw it mid-air, jumped back in and completed the catch.
Why it’s historic:
Elevated the standard of boundary catches in cricket in women’s games globally.
Impact: Viral moment. Even Sachin and Kohli praised it.
Honorable Mentions
- Chris Lynn vs RCB (IPL 2014) – the “Superman” catch
- Jason Roy vs Sri Lanka (CWC 2019) – stunning sprint and slide
- Ravindra Jadeja vs NZ (2020) – mid-air grab under pressure
- Glenn Maxwell vs SA (2016) – one-handed rocket catch
- David Miller vs Pakistan (2023) – balanced footwork, cold finish
These moments prove boundary catches in cricket are often more impactful than five-wicket hauls.
What Makes Boundary Catches in Cricket So Special?
- Split-second reflexes
- Acrobatic control in mid-air
- Awareness of rope proximity
- Team coordination in relay catches
- Match context — most happen under high pressure
No part of the field tests your physical and mental skills more than the boundary line.
Best Boundary Catchers (Modern Era)
| Player | Known For |
|---|---|
| Kieron Pollard | One-handed giants at long-on |
| Faf du Plessis | Flying mid-air takes |
| Martin Guptill | Rope awareness and clean takes |
| Glenn Maxwell | Reflex-based one-handers |
| Harleen Deol | Pioneering fielding in women’s game |
Each of these players has turned boundary catches in cricket into an art form.
Stats: Impact of Boundary Catches in T20 Leagues
| League | % of Match-Turning Catches from Boundary |
|---|---|
| IPL | 37% |
| BBL | 31% |
| PSL | 28% |
| CPL | 34% |
| Women’s BBL | 21% |
Boundary catches in cricket often shift momentum faster than bowling changes.
Quotes on Boundary Catches in Cricket
“Catches win matches, but boundary catches win hearts.” — Harsha Bhogle
“You can’t teach some of these catches. It’s pure instinct and guts.” — AB de Villiers
“The rope doesn’t lie. You either know where it is, or you don’t.” — Ricky Ponting
There are few sights more thrilling than a perfectly timed boundary catch in cricket. These plays combine guts, athletic brilliance, and razor-sharp awareness — and they often become the difference between winning and losing.
Whether it’s a diving solo effort or a breathtaking relay catch, these moments live forever — in highlight reels, fan chants, and cricket history.
FAQ – Boundary Catches in Cricket!
Q1: What counts as a legal boundary catch in cricket?
A catch is legal if the fielder is not touching or over the boundary rope when first in contact with the ball.
Q2: Can two players combine for a boundary catch?
Yes! Relay catches are legal and widely used. The first fielder can pass the ball before stepping over, and the second can complete it.
Q3: Are boundary catches common?
They’ve become more common in T20 cricket due to aggressive hitting and improved athleticism.