Five Players Who Smashed Most Runs In Single Over In Test Cricket Ft. Jasprit Bumrah

In Test cricket—traditionally seen as a battle of patience and technique—there are rare but unforgettable moments when batters go on an all-out attack. One such thrilling scenario occurs when a batsman completely dominates a bowler in just one over, turning the tide of the game.

Surprisingly, one of these iconic records is held by an Indian bowler, who etched his name in history with a world record for scoring the most runs in a single over of a Test match.

Let’s take a look at the batters who have pulled off such blistering performances and the bowlers who found themselves on the receiving end.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 35 Runs

Opponent: England

Bowler: Stuart Broad

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham (2022)

In an extraordinary turn of events during the 2022 Test series, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah showcased his batting prowess by smashing 35 runs off Stuart Broad in a single over. The sequence went: 4, 5 (no-ball), 7 (wide + four), 4, 4, 6, 1. Not only did this blitz boost India's position, but it also revealed Bumrah’s unexpected but thrilling ability with the bat.

2. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 28 Runs

Opponent: South Africa

Bowler: Robin Peterson

Venue: Johannesburg (2003–04)

Cricket legend Brian Lara displayed masterclass strokeplay by scoring 28 runs in one over bowled by South Africa's Robin Peterson. He struck 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4 with grace and power, leaving spectators in awe of his flawless footwork and gap-finding finesse.

3. George Bailey (Australia) – 28 Runs

Opponent: England

Bowler: James Anderson

Venue: Perth (2013–14 Ashes)

During the 2013–14 Ashes series in Perth, George Bailey launched a brutal assault on England’s premier pacer James Anderson, collecting 28 runs in one over. His sequence—4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6—was a hammer blow to England’s bowling attack, turning the match in Australia’s favor.

4. Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) – 28 Runs

Opponent: England

Bowler: Joe Root

Venue: Port Elizabeth (2019–20)

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj stunned everyone by showcasing his hitting skills with the bat, smashing 28 runs in a single over off England captain Joe Root. His onslaught included shots of 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, and 4 (off a no-ball).

5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 27 Runs

Opponent: India

Bowler: Harbhajan Singh

Venue: Lahore (2005–06)

Known for his explosive batting, Shahid ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi lit up the Lahore Test against India with 27 runs off an over bowled by Harbhajan Singh. The over featured 6, 6, 6, 2, 1. 

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