op 20 Unbelievable Run Outs in Cricket History – Part 2

Cricket is a sport where every ball can create a twist, but few moments match the sheer drama of a run out. Sometimes it’s brilliance from a fielder, sometimes it’s a mix-up between batters, and other times it’s pure bad luck. A run out can change the momentum of a match instantly, leaving fans stunned and players heartbroken.

In the first part, we highlighted some jaw-dropping run outs that left an everlasting mark on cricket lovers. Now, in Part 2, we revisit another 20 unbelievable run outs in cricket history that had spectators rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

1. MS Dhoni’s Lightning Stump vs Bangladesh (2016 Asia Cup)

One of the fastest hands in cricket, MS Dhoni stunned Sabbir Rahman with a bullet throw and a lightning-fast flick of the bails. The replay showed Dhoni completing the stumping in under 0.1 seconds—an unbelievable display of reflexes.

2. Jonty Rhodes’ Superman Run Out of Inzamam (1992 World Cup)

Though widely discussed in Part 1, it deserves a reminder: Rhodes literally flew through the air to smash the stumps, dismissing Inzamam-ul-Haq. It remains the gold standard of commitment on a cricket field.

3. Martin Guptill’s Direct Hit vs MS Dhoni (2019 World Cup Semi-final)

The semi-final between India and New Zealand was hanging in the balance when Dhoni tried for a second run. Guptill’s pinpoint throw from the deep ended India’s dream, etching this run out into history books.

4. Ravindra Jadeja vs Pakistan (2013 Champions Trophy)

Known as India’s best fielder of the modern era, Jadeja pulled off a rocket throw from backward point to catch Nasir Jamshed short. It showed why Jadeja is feared for his fielding brilliance.

5. AB de Villiers’ Backhand Flick vs Pakistan (2013)

South Africa’s Mr. 360 stunned fans when he collected the ball mid-run and, without looking, backhand-flicked it onto the stumps. Umar Akmal was miles out. Pure genius!

6. Brendon McCullum’s Dive vs Bangladesh (2008)

McCullum combined agility and quickness by diving full length to gather the ball and strike the stumps in one motion. A wicketkeeper’s dream run out.

7. Andrew Symonds vs Sri Lanka (2006 VB Series)

Symonds, known for his athleticism, produced a rocket throw from deep midwicket to dismiss Marvan Atapattu. The batsman was stunned at how far the ball traveled and still found the stumps.

8. Yuvraj Singh vs England (2002 NatWest Series)

At Lord’s, Yuvraj’s direct hit sent Jeremy Snape packing. The accuracy and pressure made it one of the most memorable run outs in the NatWest final.

9. Paul Collingwood’s Outfield Direct Hit (2005 Ashes)

Fielding at backward point, Collingwood produced one of the sharpest direct hits seen in Ashes history, removing Justin Langer. It proved England’s improved fielding standards in that legendary series.

10. Ricky Ponting’s Rocket vs India (2003 World Cup Final)

Not only did Ponting score a match-winning hundred, but he also pulled off a stunning direct hit to dismiss Sourav Ganguly. It summed up Australia’s dominance in that World Cup.

11. Virat Kohli vs Pakistan (2012 Asia Cup)

Still a young gun at the time, Kohli showcased his athleticism with a diving stop and a quick release to dismiss Umar Akmal. The energy he brought in the field became a hallmark of modern India.

12. Mohammad Kaif vs England (2002)

Kaif, one of India’s finest fielders, pulled off a quick pick-and-throw at point to run out Nick Knight. His fielding, alongside Yuvraj, transformed India’s approach to saving runs.

13. Glenn Maxwell’s Bullet Throw vs Pakistan (2015 World Cup)

Maxwell showed why he is one of the best fielders when he sent in a rocket throw from the deep to dismiss Misbah-ul-Haq in a crucial quarter-final.

14. Steve Smith’s Athletic Run Out vs New Zealand (2015)

Smith, with his sharp reflexes, ran out Brendon McCullum with a diving stop and an underarm flick. A huge wicket in a World Cup thriller.

15. Herschelle Gibbs vs Australia (1999 World Cup)

In the famous tied semi-final, Gibbs’ quick reflex throw ran out Steve Waugh. Although overshadowed by the drama, it was a moment of fielding brilliance.

16. Rishabh Pant’s Diving Flick vs England (2021)

Pant stunned everyone when he collected a wayward throw and, with a dive, flicked the ball onto the stumps. A modern example of creativity behind the wickets.

17. Kane Williamson’s Direct Hit vs South Africa (2015 World Cup)

Williamson, calm and collected, produced a pressure throw to dismiss David Miller. It was a vital moment in a high-pressure semi-final.

18. Ben Stokes’ Bullet Throw vs India (2016)

In a T20 clash, Stokes sent a laser throw from the deep to catch MS Dhoni short of his ground—a rare dismissal of Dhoni via run out.

19. Ravindra Jadeja vs New Zealand (2019 World Cup Semi-final)

Jadeja’s rocket throw caught Martin Guptill short in a do-or-die situation. Ironically, Guptill later returned the favor by running out Dhoni in the same match.

20. Jonty Rhodes vs West Indies (1993 Hero Cup)

Another classic from Rhodes—he dived full stretch at cover, picking and releasing in a flash to dismiss Brian Lara. It reminded fans that Rhodes redefined fielding forever.

Why Run Outs Matter in Cricket

Run outs are not just dismissals; they symbolize fielding brilliance, teamwork, and presence of mind. While centuries and five-wicket hauls dominate headlines, these moments of sharpness often decide the fate of big matches. Whether it’s Guptill ending India’s dream in 2019, Jadeja’s laser throws, or Dhoni’s lightning stumping, these instances live forever in cricket fans’ memories.

Run outs prove one simple fact: in cricket, you don’t always need the bat or ball to change the game—sometimes, a single throw can rewrite history.