In today’s first ODI between Pakistan and Australia at the MCG, debutant Irfan Khan attempted a spectacular boundary save, leaping into the air to knock the ball back inside the rope. His effort, however, was deemed unsuccessful by the umpire, who awarded a six. Here’s what happened and why the ruling went against Irfan.
During Australia’s chase, with Josh Inglis inching closer to a half-century, he played a powerful pull shot off Shaheen Shah Afridi, sending the ball soaring toward deep backward square leg. Positioned several meters inside the boundary, Irfan backtracked quickly to intercept it. As the ball approached, Irfan jumped high, managing to swat the ball back into the field before landing on the other side of the rope. Scrambling to recover, he threw the ball back to the keeper, minimizing the scoring opportunity. At that stage, Australia stood at 133-3, requiring just 71 more runs to win with 30 overs remaining, chasing Pakistan’s total of 203.
However, the umpire ruled the shot a six, signaling both arms in the air. Irfan, visibly frustrated, gestured in confusion, not understanding the call on his ODI debut. The commentary box buzzed with discussion.
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Kerry O’Keefe noted Irfan’s foot had been on the boundary’s foam at takeoff, suggesting he had used it for “extra lift” and executed the save “perfectly.” David Warner, also commentating, likened the effort to a “sideboard run,” referencing Michael Neser’s memorable catch in the 2022/23 BBL, which had similar boundary-juggling theatrics.
The decision centered around MCC’s Law 19, which regulates boundary interactions. According to Law 19.4, the ball is considered grounded beyond the boundary if a fielder touches it while being grounded beyond the boundary or after stepping outside the boundary before a catch. Law 19.5 further states that a fielder is deemed “grounded beyond the boundary” if any part of their body makes contact with the boundary.
While Irfan didn’t touch the ball while in contact with the boundary rope or ground beyond it, his final launch point was right on the boundary foam. Law 19.5.2 clarifies that a fielder is considered “grounded beyond the boundary” if their last contact with the ground, prior to touching the ball, occurred outside the boundary. This meant that since Irfan’s jump originated from the boundary, his first touch on the ball effectively “grounded” it beyond the boundary.
Interestingly, in the very next delivery, Irfan successfully caught Inglis inside the boundary, dismissing him. Nonetheless, Pakistan eventually lost the game by two wickets.
