In the exciting world of cricket, few moments get the crowd roaring like watching a batter smash multiple boundaries or sixes in one over. Some batters have shown extraordinary skill and fearlessness, taking maximum runs off just six balls and setting records that fans cherish forever. Here, we explore the top five instances in Test cricket history where batters scored the most runs in a single over.
5. Shahid Afridi- Harbhajan Singh (27 Runs)
The legendary Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive batting, demonstrated his power against India’s Harbhajan Singh in 2005-06 in Lahore. Afridi, often called “Boom Boom” for his aggressive playstyle, scored 27 runs off Harbhajan’s over with sixes flying around the stadium. His sequence was 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, and 1, a stunning show of strength that left Harbhajan with little room to control the game. Afridi’s ability to hit massive sixes and entertain the crowd was on full display, creating yet another unforgettable moment in cricket history.
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4. Keshav Maharaj- Joe Root (28 Runs)
South African all-rounder Keshav Maharaj made headlines when he took 28 runs in an over from England’s Joe Root during the 2019-20 season in Port Elizabeth. Maharaj achieved this with a combination of boundaries and sixes, striking fearlessly with a 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, and another 4. His batting surprise thrilled the crowd and made Root’s over one of the costliest in recent Test history. Maharaj’s batting skills showcased the power of lower-order batters, turning the match around in South Africa’s favor.
3. George Bailey- James Anderson (28 Runs)
In the 2013-14 Ashes series between Australia and England, George Bailey displayed remarkable aggression against England’s seasoned bowler James Anderson. Playing in Perth, Bailey smashed Anderson for 28 runs in an over with hits including 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, and 6. This sequence of boundaries and sixes gave the Australian fans a memorable performance and added pressure on Anderson. Bailey’s explosive play brought excitement to the match and added an unforgettable chapter to Ashes history.
2. Brian Lara- Robin Peterson (28 Runs)
Brian Lara, one of the most elegant and powerful batters in cricket history, showcased his skills during a match between the West Indies and South Africa in 2003-04. Facing Robin Peterson, Lara scored 28 runs in a single over with a sequence of 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, and 4. Known for his aggressive yet calculated playstyle, Lara’s performance left Peterson struggling to contain him. This was a signature moment in Lara’s illustrious career and solidified his reputation as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
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1. Jasprit Bumrah – Stuart Broad (35 Runs)
In 2022, during a Test match between India and England in Birmingham, India’s Jasprit Bumrah created history by scoring a staggering 35 runs in a single over bowled by Stuart Broad. Known more for his bowling prowess, Bumrah stunned the cricketing world by hitting 4, 4wd, 6nb, 4, 4, 4, 6, 1 and benefiting from extras like wides and no-balls. His unexpected feat shattered the previous record for the most runs in a Test over and put Broad under pressure. Bumrah’s audacious approach thrilled fans and reminded everyone of cricket’s unpredictable nature.
Table of Top 5 Cricketers with Most Runs in a Single Test Over:
Rank | Runs | Player | Bowler | Match | Location | Season |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 35 | Jasprit Bumrah | Stuart Broad | India vs England | Birmingham | 2022 |
2 | 28 | Brian Lara | Robin Peterson | West Indies vs SA | Johannesburg | 2003-04 |
3 | 28 | George Bailey | James Anderson | Australia vs England | Perth | 2013-14 |
4 | 28 | Keshav Maharaj | Joe Root | SA vs England | Port Elizabeth | 2019-20 |
5 | 27 | Shahid Afridi | Harbhajan Singh | Pakistan vs India | Lahore | 2005-06 |