Fours and Sixes in Cricket Explained
How a cricket boundary is scored, the difference between a four and a six, contested boundary decisions, and which batters hold boundary records.
A boundary is scored when the ball reaches the edge of the playing field, marked by a rope or line. The number of runs depends on how the ball crosses the boundary — four runs if it rolls along the ground, six runs if it clears the boundary on the full (without bouncing).
Scoring a Four
A four is awarded when the ball crosses the boundary rope after bouncing or rolling along the ground. The batter does not need to run — four runs are automatically added to both their score and the team total. Any runs physically taken by the batters before the ball reaches the boundary are not counted if a four is signalled — the automatic four replaces them.
Scoring a Six
A six is awarded when the ball clears the boundary rope without bouncing — usually hit in the air into or beyond the boundary area. Six runs are automatically added. A ball that hits the boundary rope while in the air (without bouncing inside the field first) is also a six. The umpire signals a six by raising both arms above their head.
Boundary Catches and Controversies
If a fielder takes a catch near the boundary rope, the rules are complex: if any part of the fielder's body touches or crosses the rope while in contact with the ball, it is a six (not a catch). If the fielder takes the catch inside the boundary, steps back over the rope, and throws the ball back in while airborne — the original catch stands if they re-entered the field of play and completed the catch. These situations produce some of cricket's most reviewed moments.
Six-Hitting Records
Chris Gayle holds the record for most T20 international sixes. Rohit Sharma holds the ODI record. In Tests, Ben Stokes hit a record-equalling 11 sixes in a single innings in 2019 at Headingley. The longest measured six ever recorded in cricket was 122 metres, struck by Shahid Afridi. Modern stadium technology allows each six's distance to be measured instantly.
Frequently asked questions
What is an overthrow boundary in cricket?
An overthrow boundary occurs when a fielder's throw misses the stumps (on a run-out attempt) and the ball travels to the boundary. The batting team receives 4 or 6 runs for the overthrow boundary in addition to any runs already completed. Overthrow boundaries can be extremely costly — a fast throw aimed at the stumps can deflect to the rope in milliseconds, turning a potential run-out into a 5-run over (1 run + 4 overthrow).
Does the bat have to hit the ball for a boundary to count?
No — leg byes can go to the boundary too (ball deflects off the body, not the bat). Byes (ball passes both bat and keeper) can also travel to the boundary. In these cases the runs are recorded as extras (byes or leg byes), not attributed to the batter. Wides can also reach the boundary — a wide ball that rolls to the rope earns 4 wide runs (wide run + 3 extra from the boundary).
How is the boundary rope determined?
The boundary is set by ground management before each match and approved by the match referee. ICC conditions specify a minimum boundary of 59 metres from the centre of the pitch to the rope. Ropes are laid flat on the ground — if the ball hits the rope, it counts as a boundary even if it doesn't cross it. The rope position can be adjusted between innings for safety or logistical reasons.