The sport of cricket has always been a game of numbers and records. Since the inception of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1909, we have seen several records achieved and milestones attained. From an incredible average of 99.94 by the legend Don Bradman to Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 100 tons in International cricket, the Cricket world has seen some astonishing achievements.
Today, Cricwizz brings you a top 5 list of the most bizarre records held by cricket by players and teams. Without further ado let us dive straight into the list.
1) A hat-trick and 36 runs
Picking a hat-trick on its own is a tremendous achievement for any bowler irrespective of against which opponent it comes against. Akila Dananjaya of Sri Lanka had a dream start to his spell against the West Indies as he managed to pick the top three wickets of West Indies which included the likes of Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, and Nicholas Pooran. The 27-year old became the first Lankan spinner to claim a hat-trick in the T20I format.
However, the off-spinners happiness was short-lived as in his very next over he was taken for a ride by the hard-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard, hitting 6 sixes off the 6 balls. Dananjaya became the first bowler in the history of cricket to pick a hat-trick and then be hit for six sixes in an over in the same match. Did he have a good day or a bad one?
2) 17 balls in an over
Mohammad Sami of Pakistan holds the record for the longest over in the history of international cricket. Sami bowled a staggering 17 balls in the over which consisted of 7 wides and 4 no-balls. The former pacer went on conceded 22 runs off the over. The event took place during the 2004 Asia cup showdown against Bangladesh.
Over: 1w, 4, 2, 1nb, 1w, 1, 1nb, 1w, 1w, ., 1w, 1nb, 1w, 1w, 1nb, 4
But wait. Sami’s over is not the longest in the history of cricket. Yes, Bert Vance of New Zealand bowled 22 deliveries in a domestic encounter in 1990 that took place between Wellington and Canterbury.
3) Most wickets of no-ball
Extras, the worst enemy of a bowler. Yes, the majority of the bowlers would find the extras frustrating and no-balls at crucial stages of the match have often decided the game against the team. Said that, do not ask the Proteas pacer Morne Morkel about no-balls.
When Morkel got his 300th wicket, he was just glad it wasn't off a no-ball! 😅
— ICC (@ICC) March 24, 2018
#SAvAUS ➡️ https://t.co/cPjQTbter6 pic.twitter.com/NCW0Ehd007
The South African pacer holds a unique record of picking up 14 wickets in no-balls in Tests. The hurts. 14 wickets that went uncounted for just for over-stepping.
It’s not going to end my career. It’s 13 [now 14], yes – a world record. Somebody needs to hold it."
- Morne Morkel
4) Nervous 90s
Yes, The man who is known as the God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar of India, who is the only cricketer to score 100 International centuries is also known for his infamous nervous 90s. The legendary cricketer has been dismissed in the 90s on an astonishing 18 occasions which is the most for any player.
Well, yes reaching 90 is indeed a great accomplishment in cricket but a few more runs would have maybe seen his tally at 118 international centuries. Are we being too greedy?
5) Are you really a No.8?
This would have been a question quite frequently addressed to the former Pakistani legend Wasim Akram. Yes, with the ball he is known to trouble even the greatest of the batsmen. But with the bat? It was against Zimbabwe, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 183/6 and then came of the greatest moments in cricket history.
The No.8 batsman of Pakistan, Wasim Akram decided to give it his best and went to stitch a partnership of 313 runs for the 8th wicket along with Saqlain Mushtaq. Akram’s record still stands to be the highest score at No.8 in Tests and it would take a humongous effort to beat that.
# Wasim Akram’s highest score of 257 is better than that of batting maestros Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, and Adam Gilchrist. Just showing you the eminence of the innings played by Akram.
Do let us know which of the adobe records intrigued you the most. Also, stay tuned with Cricwizz as we thrive to bring you exciting content and features on the game of cricket.
