In cricket, a run-out can flip a match on its head. While some run-outs are moments of pure brilliance from fielders, others are the result of horrific miscommunication between batsmen. The most shocking ones leave commentators speechless, fans in disbelief Shocking , and batsmen embarrassed for years to come.
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From World Cup heartbreaks to Test match blunders, these are the 10 most shocking run-outs in cricket history that still spark Shocking conversation.
1. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Casual Stroll – 2006
- Match: Pakistan vs India, 1st ODI, Peshawar
- The Moment: Inzamam stood outside his crease chatting with the bowler as the ball hit the stumps.
Inzamam, known for his slow running between the wickets, took casual to another level when he was run out while trying to avoid a throw — not even attempting Shocking to get back to his crease. This dismissal went viral long before social media became a norm.
2. Allan Donald & Lance Klusener – 1999 World Cup Semi-Final
- Match: South Africa vs Australia
- The Moment: South Africa needed 1 run to win with 4 balls left when chaos struck.
Lance Klusener hit a ball to mid-off and set off for a run, but Donald didn’t respond quickly. Donald dropped his bat, both batsmen ended up at the same end, and the run-out ended South Africa’s World Cup dream in the most heartbreaking fashion Shocking .
3. MS Dhoni’s Lightning Fast Hands – 2016 Asia Cup
- Match: India vs Bangladesh
- The Moment: Dhoni sprinted towards the stumps and ran out the batsman in under two seconds.
Dhoni anticipated the shot, collected the ball cleanly, and ran out the non-striker with a direct hit while still running. It showcased his match awareness and sharp Shocking reflexes.
4. Marlon Samuels’ Lazy Jog – 2013 CPL
- Match: Jamaica Tallawahs vs Guyana Amazon Warriors
- The Moment: Samuels walked instead of running, only to be caught short by a direct hit.
Fans were stunned as Samuels, instead of sprinting, jogged halfway down the pitch and paid the price. Commentators called it “one of the laziest dismissals ever seen Shocking .”
5. Misbah-ul-Haq in the 2007 World T20 Final
- Match: Pakistan vs India
- The Moment: Misbah tried a risky second run in the tense final moments and got run out.
Needing just 6 to win off 4 balls, Misbah’s misjudged run cost Pakistan the inaugural T20 World Cup. India celebrated, and the image of Misbah’s dismissal remains etched in cricket history
6. Ricky Ponting’s Direct Hit Brilliance – 2003 World Cup
- Match: Australia vs India, Final
- The Moment: Ponting’s lightning throw from mid-on caught a well-set batsman short.
Ponting’s pinpoint accuracy and powerful throw turned the game in Australia’s favor, killing India’s momentum during a high-pressure Shocking chase.
7. Mohammad Kaif’s Fielding Magic – NatWest Final 2002
- Match: India vs England
- The Moment: Kaif hit the stumps from side-on, catching the batsman inches short.
This run-out was a turning point, sparking India’s famous NatWest Trophy victory and proving Kaif’s value as one of India’s best fielders Shocking .
8. Kane Williamson’s Mix-Up – 2019 World Cup Final
- Match: New Zealand vs England
- The Moment: Williamson hesitated mid-run, resulting in a costly dismissal.
In a final decided by the smallest of margins, Williamson’s run-out hurt New Zealand’s total and became one of many tiny moments that shaped the dramatic finish.
9. Ben Stokes’ Accidental Obstruction – 2015 ODI
- Match: England vs Australia
- The Moment: Stokes was given out for obstructing the field after blocking a throw with his hand.
While technically within the laws, this decision was controversial and left Stokes fuming, as it looked more like self-protection than deliberate obstruction.
10. Colin de Grandhomme’s Bizarre Slip – 2018 Test
- Match: New Zealand vs England
- The Moment: He slipped mid-run, dropped his bat, and couldn’t make it to the crease in time.
Fans laughed, commentators were stunned, and De Grandhomme walked back shaking his head at one of the most bizarre dismissals in recent years.
Why Run-Outs Like These Stay in Memory
Run-outs, especially the shocking ones, change momentum instantly. They can turn winning positions into defeats, create unforgettable highlight reels, and even define careers. Whether caused by poor judgment or brilliant fielding, these moments stay with fans forever
