Top 10 Game-Turning Run-Outs in Cricket History

When One Throw Changes It All

In the grand theatre of cricket, run-outs often seem like minor moments—until they become the defining turning point of the game. While boundaries thrill and wickets excite, a game-turning run-out combines pressure, precision, and sheer brilliance into one flash of action. These aren’t just dismissals—they’re momentum shifts, morale crushers, and sometimes, match-winners.

From World Cup semi-finals to unforgettable Test matches, game-turning run-outs have rewritten narratives and turned heroes into villains. In this article, we dive deep into the top 10 game-turning run-outs in cricket history, each etched into memory for how they dramatically changed the course of the match.

1. MS Dhoni Run-Out – World Cup Semi-Final 2019 (India vs New Zealand)

Arguably one of the most heartbreaking game-turning run-outs in Indian cricket history. Chasing a tricky target in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, India’s last hope rested on the shoulders of MS Dhoni. With 25 needed off 10, Dhoni smashed a six—only to be run-out by a direct hit from Martin Guptill on the very next ball. The dismissal shattered India’s chances and handed New Zealand a dramatic win.

Why it was game-turning: It sealed the fate of the match and knocked India out of the World Cup.

2. Allan Donald – 1999 World Cup Semi-Final (South Africa vs Australia)

One of cricket’s most iconic game-turning run-outs. With the scores level and one run to win, Lance Klusener set off for a single—only to find Allan Donald stuck mid-pitch, confused and without a bat in hand. Damien Fleming fielded and Gilchrist removed the bails, leaving South Africa stunned.

Why it was game-turning: It cost South Africa a World Cup final berth and ended the match in a dramatic tie—Australia advanced due to superior group performance.

3. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 2005 ODI (Pakistan vs India, Ahmedabad)

The bulky brilliance of Inzamam met his match with MS Dhoni’s sharp reflexes. A quick pick-up and throw from Dhoni to the striker’s end caught Inzamam well short of his ground. Pakistan’s chase collapsed after that.

Why it was game-turning: It triggered a batting collapse that handed India a famous win.

4. Ricky Ponting – 2003 World Cup Final (Australia vs India)

India’s dream of chasing down Australia’s total rested on a solid start. But when Virender Sehwag tried a risky run, Ricky Ponting fired a laser throw from cover to dismiss Ganguly. The Indian chase faltered early.

Why it was game-turning: The early wicket broke momentum and put Australia firmly in control.

5. Jonty Rhodes – 1992 World Cup (South Africa vs Pakistan)

This game-turning run-out wasn’t just effective—it was iconic. Jonty Rhodes charged in from point, picked up, and dove horizontally to run-out Inzamam-ul-Haq at the non-striker’s end. It redefined fielding in cricket.

Why it was game-turning: Changed South Africa’s defensive momentum and inspired generations of fielders.

6. Ben Stokes Run-Out – Ashes 2019 (Headingley Test)

Ben Stokes’ 135* is legendary, but not many recall the game-turning run-out of Jack Leach during the build-up. After a massive partnership, Leach was almost run-out—narrowly surviving. However, earlier in that match, Stokes himself effected a sharp run-out that turned momentum.

Why it was game-turning: Every wicket was gold in that nail-biting one-wicket win.

7. Andrew Symonds – 2003 ODI vs Pakistan

When Pakistan looked solid at the start, Andrew Symonds stepped up—not with the bat, but with a moment of brilliance. He ran out Yousuf Youhana with a bullet throw from midwicket.

Why it was game-turning: It broke Pakistan’s rhythm and led to a total collapse.

8. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 2016 T20 World Cup (vs Bangladesh)

Three runs off two balls. Bangladesh tried sneaking a second run to win the game. Dhoni removed one glove, sprinted toward the stumps, and dislodged the bails just in time.

Why it was game-turning: It secured India’s thrilling one-run win and became an iconic T20 moment.

9. Steve Waugh – 1999 World Cup (vs South Africa)

A lesser-known but crucial game-turning run-out, Steve Waugh’s direct hit dismissed Herschelle Gibbs at a key moment. It flipped the pressure onto South Africa.

Why it was game-turning: Waugh’s fielding inspired a complete bowling domination in the next overs.

10. Brendon McCullum – 2009 T20 World Cup (vs India)

A fiery fielding effort from McCullum saw Rohit Sharma being run out just as he was building momentum. The throw came from the boundary with inch-perfect accuracy.

Why it was game-turning: India’s middle-order faltered, and New Zealand capitalized fully.

Run-Outs That Wrote History

In a game where moments define the outcome, game-turning run-outs stand as symbols of brilliance, awareness, and clutch performance. Whether it was a World Cup knockout or a crucial league game, these moments flipped the narrative.

A run-out isn’t just a dismissal—it’s a statement. It can break partnerships, shake confidence, and most importantly, change the course of a match. As cricket continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: a timely game-turning run-out can still be the ultimate momentum-shifter.

Game-Turning Run-Outs in Cricket History FAQ