Top 7 Most Jaw-Dropping Boundary Catches in Cricket History

Table of Contents

1. Trent Boult vs West Indies (2019 World Cup)

2. Faf du Plessis vs India (Johannesburg, 2013)

3. Kieron Pollard vs Australia (St. Lucia, 2021)

4. AB de Villiers vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2018)

5. Suresh Raina vs Pakistan (Asia Cup 2014)

Honorable Mentions

What Makes Boundary Catches in Cricket So Special?

Best Boundary Catchers (Modern Era)

Stats: Impact of Boundary Catches in T20 Leagues

Quotes on Boundary Catches in Cricket

FAQ – Boundary Catches in Cricket!

Q1: What counts as a legal boundary catch in cricket?

Q2: Can two players combine for a boundary catch?

Q3: Are boundary catches common?

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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)

Boundary Catches in Cricket

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.

Next time you see the ball flying toward the rope, don’t blink. You might just witness another masterpiece in the making.

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.