A boundary is scored when the ball reaches or crosses the boundary after being hit by the batter, subject to the Laws of Cricket and the competition's playing conditions. If the ball reaches the boundary after touching the ground, the batting side is normally credited with four runs. A ball hit directly over the boundary without first touching the ground is normally six.
Fielders can save a boundary by stopping the ball before it reaches the boundary, provided they remain within the playing area and meet the boundary-contact rules. A fielder who catches the ball must complete the catch while legally positioned; contact with the boundary or an object beyond it can affect whether the catch is valid.
Overthrows happen when a fielder's throw passes the intended receiver and allows batters to run additional runs. The total can include runs completed before the throw, runs completed while the ball is in play and any boundary allowance, according to the specific circumstances and rules.
Boundary decisions may be reviewed with broadcast technology when available, but the match officials apply the competition's rules. For an unusual play, look at whether the ball touched the ground, where the fielder was positioned and how many runs the batters had completed when the relevant action occurred.
