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There are hundreds of ways a cricketer can get out, but few sting more than a run-out. It’s one of the most emotional dismissals in cricket — often avoidable, usually chaotic, and sometimes match-defining. Whether it’s a misjudged single, a direct hit from the boundary, or confusion between batters, run-outs in cricket have ended careers, broken hearts, and flipped games upside down.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 Most Devastating Run-Outs in Cricket History — those moments when a split-second decision changed the fate of players, teams, and even entire nations.
1. MS Dhoni – 2019 World Cup Semi-Final vs New Zealand
- Date: July 10, 2019
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Run-out by: Martin Guptill (direct hit)
India was chasing 240 in a tense semi-final. Dhoni, known for his calmness, was India’s last hope. With 25 needed from 10 balls, he attempted a second run. Guptill’s direct hit from the deep found Dhoni inches short.
Why it’s devastating:
It shattered a billion hearts and ended India’s World Cup campaign.
Legacy moment: The last international innings of the legend, MS Dhoni.
2. Allan Donald – 1999 World Cup Semi-Final vs Australia
- Date: June 17, 1999
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Run-out by: Damien Fleming & Adam Gilchrist
South Africa needed 1 run from 3 balls with Lance Klusener on fire. After hitting back-to-back boundaries, Klusener ran for the win, but Donald didn’t respond. Confusion led to a calamitous run-outs in cricket.
Why it’s devastating:
South Africa tied the match but lost the final spot due to net run rate.
Legacy moment: Birth of the “chokers” tag for South Africa.
3. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 2006 vs India (Humorous Yet Fatal)
- Date: March 30, 2006
- Venue: Lahore
- Run-out by: Suresh Raina
Trying to avoid a throw while outside his crease, Inzamam tried to jump — only to be run-out mid-air, as he wasn’t grounded. It was one of the most bizarre run-outs in cricket history.
Why it’s devastating:
It was both comical and costly in a tight match.
Legacy moment: Inzamam’s famous “airborne” dismissal still goes viral today.
4. Jonty Rhodes – 1992 World Cup vs Pakistan (The Flying Run-Out)
- Date: March 8, 1992
- Venue: Brisbane
- Run-out by: Jonty Rhodes
Javed Miandad pushed for a run, but Rhodes sprinted in and dove to smash the stumps with the ball in hand. It became an iconic image.
Why it’s devastating:
Miandad’s dismissal dented Pakistan’s start, although they later won the Cup.
Legacy moment: Redefined fielding forever.
5. Ben Stokes – 2024 T20 World Cup Final vs India
- Date: June 30, 2024
- Venue: Barbados
- Run-out by: Axar Patel
In a thrilling final, England needed 6 off 2 balls. Stokes pushed for 2, but a bullet throw by Axar found him short. India won by 3 runs.
Why it’s devastating:
England lost their title defense in heartbreaking fashion.
Legacy moment: A World Cup turned on a throw.
6. Ricky Ponting – 2005 Ashes Series, 4th Test
- Date: August 27, 2005
- Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Run-out by: substitute fielder Gary Pratt
Ponting was well-set when a sub fielder ran him out with a rocket throw. Furious, he shouted at the dressing room.
Why it’s devastating:
Australia lost the Ashes after 18 years.
Legacy moment: “Gary Pratt” became a national hero overnight.
7. Grant Elliott – 2009 Champions Trophy vs South Africa
- Date: October 1, 2009
- Venue: Johannesburg
- Run-out by: Makhaya Ntini (but pushed by bowler)
Mark Boucher ran into Grant Elliott mid-pitch and the stumps were broken. Though technically a legal run-out, the “spirit of cricket” was questioned.
Why it’s devastating:
Ended a crucial chase.
Legacy moment: One of cricket’s most controversial run-outs in cricket.
8. Marlon Samuels – 2012 T20 World Cup Final vs Sri Lanka
- Date: October 7, 2012
- Venue: Colombo
- Run-out by: Lasith Malinga
After scoring a brilliant 78, Samuels was run-out trying to farm strike. The decision was tight, and replays showed no conclusive evidence.
Why it’s devastating:
Threatened West Indies’ chase, but they recovered thanks to Bravo and Sammy.
Legacy moment: A near-loss turned into a title win.
9. Yuvraj Singh – 2014 T20 World Cup Final vs Sri Lanka
- Date: April 6, 2014
- Venue: Mirpur
- Run-out by: Herath
Yuvraj had a horrible day and was run-out during a slow knock. It slowed India’s scoring momentum massively.
Why it’s devastating:
India lost the final and Yuvraj was unfairly scapegoated.
Legacy moment: A sad end to one of India’s match-winners.
10. AB de Villiers – 2015 World Cup Semi-Final vs New Zealand
- Date: March 24, 2015
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Run-out by: Corey Anderson
AB was building momentum when a miscommunication led to his devastating run-out. South Africa lost by 4 wickets in a last-over thriller.
Why it’s devastating:
It cost South Africa a golden chance at the final.
Legacy moment: Tears flowed as dreams ended.
The Psychology of Run-Outs in Cricket
Unlike bowled or LBW dismissals, run-outs are often caused by panic, miscommunication, or sheer bad luck. These moments test nerves, game awareness, and trust between partners.
They’re also the hardest to forgive, both by players and fans.
Stats: Run-Outs in Major ICC Finals
| Tournament | Most Famous Run-Out | Match Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 WC | MS Dhoni vs NZ | India lost |
| 1999 WC | Allan Donald vs AUS | Match tied, AUS won |
| 2024 T20 WC | Ben Stokes vs IND | India won |
| 2015 WC | AB de Villiers vs NZ | NZ won |
| 2007 WC | Dwayne Bravo vs AUS | AUS won |
Common Causes of Devastating Run-Outs in Cricket
- Poor communication between batters
- Misjudged second runs
- Panic under pressure
- Direct hits from fielders
- Ball watching instead of running
Famous Quotes on Run-Outs
“Getting run-out is the most avoidable mistake in cricket — and often the most painful.” — Sunil Gavaskar
“Run-outs break momentum and hearts, especially in crunch games.” — Ricky Ponting
Run-outs in cricket are the ultimate test of decision-making, fitness, and teamwork. From heartbreaks like Dhoni in 2019 to chaos like Donald in 1999, these dismissals have changed outcomes and etched unforgettable stories into the game’s history.
FAQs – Run-Outs in Cricket
What is a run-out in cricket?
A run-out occurs when the batter fails to reach the crease before the fielding side breaks the stumps during a run attempt.
Can a batter be run-out if not attempting a run?
Yes, if the batter is out of their crease and the ball is live.
Can both batters be run-out on the same ball?
Technically yes, though extremely rare. One must be run-out before the next.