Cricket is a game of moments, and few moments are as exhilarating as when a batsman goes on a rampage, scoring a flurry of runs in a single over. This phenomenon is a testament to the batsman’s skill, audacity, and sometimes a bit of luck. This blog delves into the highest-scoring overs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and Test matches, exploring the circumstances, key players involved, and the impact of these remarkable feats on the game.

Top Players Scoring Most Runs in an Over in ODIs

ODIs, with their 50-over format, strike a balance between the endurance of Test cricket and the explosiveness of T20s. This format has seen some of the most thrilling batting displays, including record-breaking overs.

Most Runs in an Over in One Day Internationals

Herschelle Gibbs – 36 Runs (2007)

In the 2007 ICC World Cup, Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa became the first batsman to hit six sixes in an over in an ODI. The unfortunate bowler was Daan van Bunge from the Netherlands. Gibbs targeted the small boundaries of Warner Park and succeeded in depositing every ball of the over into the stands, making history in the process. This over significantly boosted South Africa’s total, helping them post a massive 353 runs, which proved to be far beyond the Netherlands’ reach.

• Match: South Africa vs. Netherlands  
• Date: March 16, 2007  
• Venue: Warner Park, St Kitts  

JS Malhotra – 36 Runs (2021)

• Match: United States vs. Papua New Guinea
• Date: September 9, 2021
• Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman

Jaskaran Singh Malhotra of the United States joined the elite list by scoring 36 runs in an over in an ODI against Papua New Guinea. Malhotra hit six consecutive sixes off the bowling of Gaudi Toka. This remarkable feat occurred during the 50th over of the innings, showcasing Malhotra’s power-hitting ability. His innings of 173 not out off 124 balls helped the United States post a competitive total of 271/9.

Thisara Perera – 35 Runs (2019)

• Match: Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand
• Date: January 3, 2019
• Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Thisara Perera of Sri Lanka scored 35 runs in a single over in an ODI against New Zealand. Facing the bowling of Tim Southee, Perera hit five sixes and a four in the over, accumulating an incredible 35 runs. This explosive performance came during the latter part of the Sri Lankan innings, showcasing Perera’s immense power-hitting capabilities. Despite Perera’s heroic effort, which included a century, Sri Lanka fell short of New Zealand’s target. Thisara Perera’s over remains one of the most expensive in ODI history and is a testament to his ability to change the game with his aggressive batting.

AB de Villiers – 34 Runs (2015)

• Match: South Africa vs. West Indies  
• Date: January 18, 2015  
• Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg  

AB de Villiers, known for his unorthodox and aggressive batting style, scored 34 runs off an over bowled by Jason Holder. The over included three sixes and four fours. This feat was part of de Villiers’ record-breaking 31-ball century, the fastest in ODI history. His onslaught was a crucial element in South Africa’s imposing total of 439/2, a match they won comfortably.

Top Players Scoring Most Runs in an Over in T20Is

The T20 format is designed for big hitting and fast scoring, making high-scoring overs more frequent. Nevertheless, achieving the highest runs in an over remains a remarkable accomplishment.

Most Runs in an Over in Twenty20 Internationals

Yuvraj Singh – 36 Runs (2007)

Yuvraj Singh etched his name into cricketing folklore during the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup. In a match against England, Yuvraj faced Stuart Broad and dispatched every ball of the over for a six. This explosive performance came right after an altercation with Andrew Flintoff, which seemed to fuel Yuvraj’s onslaught. His 36-run over was pivotal in India setting a formidable total of 218/4, which they defended successfully.

• Match: India vs. England  
• Date: September 19, 2007  
• Venue: Kingsmead, Durban  

Kieron Pollard – 36 Runs (2021)

Kieron Pollard became the second player in T20I history to hit six sixes in an over, achieving this against Akila Dananjaya of Sri Lanka. Interestingly, Dananjaya had taken a hat-trick in his previous over, making Pollard’s counter-attack even more spectacular. Pollard’s blitz helped West Indies chase down Sri Lanka’s target of 132 with ease.

• Match: West Indies vs. Sri Lanka  
• Date: March 3, 2021  
• Venue: Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua  

Top Players Scoring Most Runs in an Over in Test Matches

Test cricket, known for its strategic depth and patience, rarely sees the kind of explosive batting found in limited-overs formats. However, when it does happen, it becomes a moment for the ages.

Most Runs in an Over in Test Cricket International

Jasprit Bumrah – 35 Runs (2022)

Match: India vs. England
Date: July 2, 2022
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Jasprit Bumrah of India set a new record for the most runs scored in a single over in Test cricket by amassing 35 runs off an over bowled by Stuart Broad. Bumrah, primarily known for his exceptional fast bowling, surprised everyone with his batting prowess. The over consisted of five wides, a no-ball hit for six, four fours, and two sixes. This remarkable feat broke the previous record of 28 runs held jointly by Brian Lara and George Bailey.

Brian Lara – 28 Runs (2003)

Brian Lara, one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, holds the record for the most runs in a single over in Test cricket. Facing Robin Peterson of South Africa, Lara scored 28 runs in an over, consisting of four fours and two sixes. This aggressive batting was part of Lara’s 202-run innings, showcasing his ability to dominate even in the longest format of the game.

• Match: West Indies vs. South Africa  
• Date: April 12, 2003  
• Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg  

George Bailey – 28 Runs (2013)

• Match: Australia vs. England  
• Date: December 7, 2013  
• Venue: WACA Ground, Perth  

George Bailey equaled Brian Lara’s record in the 2013-14 Ashes series. Facing England’s James Anderson, Bailey hit three sixes and two fours, with a two-run shot to round off the over. Bailey’s blitz was crucial in pushing Australia’s lead and setting up a dominant position in the match, which they eventually won.

Notable Mentions

While the above instances are the pinnacle, there are several other noteworthy mentions across formats where batsmen have scored heavily in a single over, demonstrating the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket.

Shahid Afridi – 32 Runs (ODI, 2007)

Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive batting, scored 32 runs off an over bowled by Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas. Afridi’s over included four sixes and two fours, helping Pakistan chase down a target of 235 with ease. Afridi’s ability to change the game in a matter of minutes was on full display during this match.

• Match: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka  
• Date: October 4, 2007  
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi  

Marcus Stoinis – 30 Runs (ODI, 2022)

In a recent ODI, Marcus Stoinis scored 30 runs off an over bowled by New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner. Stoinis hit four sixes and a four in the over, propelling Australia to a competitive total. This over showcased Stoinis’ power-hitting ability and his capability to change the game’s momentum.

• Match: Australia vs. New Zealand  
• Date: September 11, 2022  
• Venue: Cairns  

Thisara Perera – 34 Runs (T20I, 2019)

Thisara Perera scored 34 runs off an over bowled by Tim Southee. This included five sixes and a four, making it one of the most expensive overs in T20I history. Perera’s onslaught was part of a valiant effort in a losing cause, as Sri Lanka fell short of New Zealand’s target.

• Match: Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand  
• Date: January 3, 2019  
• Venue: Eden Park, Auckland  

Conclusion

The instances of most runs scored in an over across ODI, T20I, and Test matches are a testament to the evolution and excitement of cricket. Each format presents its unique challenges and opportunities, and these record-breaking overs are celebrated as moments of brilliance in the sport’s rich history.

From the blistering six sixes by Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh to the strategic and powerful innings of Brian Lara and George Bailey, these performances have left an indelible mark on the game. They showcase the extraordinary talent and fearless mindset required to achieve such feats. As cricket continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the next big over, knowing that any given moment can produce a new record and another chapter in the fascinating story of cricket.

FAQs on Most Runs in an Over in Cricket

1. What is the record for the most runs scored in a single over in an ODI?

The record for the most runs scored in a single over in an ODI is 36 runs, achieved by Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa and JS Malhotra of the USA.

2. Who has hit the most runs in a single over in T20I cricket?

Yuvraj Singh of India and Kieron Pollard of the West Indies share the record for the most runs in a single over in T20I cricket, both scoring 36 runs. Yuvraj Singh achieved this feat against Stuart Broad of England in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, while Kieron Pollard did it against Akila Dananjaya of Sri Lanka in 2021.

3. What is the highest number of runs scored in an over in Test cricket?

The record for the most runs scored in an over in Test cricket is 35 runs. This record is held by Jasprit Bumrah of India. Bumrah achieved this against SCJ Broad of England in 2002.

4. Has any batsman scored 36 runs in an over more than once?

As of now, no batsman has conceded 36 runs in an over more than once in international cricket. The instances of 36 runs in an over are rare and usually involve exceptional batting performances.

5. What are some notable mentions of high-scoring overs in ODIs and T20Is?

In ODIs, Shahid Afridi of Pakistan scored 32 runs off an over bowled by Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas in 2007. Marcus Stoinis of Australia scored 30 runs in an over bowled by New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner in 2022. In T20Is, Thisara Perera of Sri Lanka scored 34 runs off an over bowled by New Zealand’s Tim Southee in 2019.

6. Which player was the first to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket?

The first player to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket was Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa. He achieved this during an ODI match against the Netherlands in the 2007 ICC World Cup.

7. How does a batsman typically achieve such high scores in a single over?

Achieving high scores in a single over typically involves hitting multiple boundaries, especially sixes. This requires exceptional skill, timing, and sometimes taking advantage of a bowler’s mistakes or unfavourable conditions for the bowler.

8. Who holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs, and was there a high-scoring over involved?

The record for the fastest century in ODIs is held by AB de Villiers of South Africa, who scored a century off 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015. During this inning, he scored 34 runs in a single over bowled by Jason Holder, which significantly contributed to his record-breaking performance.

9. Has any team scored more than 36 runs in an over in professional cricket?

In professional cricket, the maximum number of possible runs in an over (without extras or no-balls) is 36. While there have been instances in domestic cricket where more than 36 runs were scored in an over due to extras like no-balls or wides, this remains extremely rare and has not been recorded in international matches.