Watch: Glenn Maxwell's Unbelievable Boundary Catch In 1st Aus Vs Sa T20i Sparks Icc Rule Debate

Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell took an extraordinary catch during the opening T20I match between Australia and South Africa in Darwin on Sunday, August 10. The Australian cricketer, who had a poor outing with the bat, showcased his brilliance in the field, leaving fans and commentators in awe.

South Africa needed 21 runs from the final five balls, with opener Ryan Rickelton batting on 71 runs. Rickelton hit the ball toward long-on, where Glenn Maxwell, positioned near the boundary, caught it while off-balance. Maxwell tossed the ball into the air before completing the catch just inside the rope.

Ryan Rickelton had to depart for the dressing room after scoring 71 off 55 balls with seven fours and one six after Glenn Maxwell's stunning catch. However, the catch grabbed the attention due to recent ICC rule changes regarding boundary catches, which were introduced in June this year.

The TV umpire took several replays to confirm the dismissal, as questions were raised over its legality under the updated playing conditions.

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans drawing comparisons to Suryakumar Yadav's memorable catch in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against the same opposition.

Here is a video of the extraordinary boundary catch by Maxwell:

Maxwell's boundary catch was deemed legal because he first touched the ball while airborne and landed entirely within the field of play on his next contact with the ground.

"Changes to the playing conditions now require a fielder who makes airborne contact with the ball beyond the boundary to then land and remain inside the boundary," the governing body had stated.

"A fielder, after making their first contact with the ball subsequently leaves the field of play, can only make contact with the ball once more while airborne beyond the boundary. Having done so, they must land and remain wholly within the boundary. This applies even if another player completes the fielding."

Maxwell played a key role in Australia's 17-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I, helping the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series. He also took a catch at slip that removed Tristan Stubbs for 37 and broke a dangerous 72-run stand.