Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan sets record for most economical T-20 spell; gives one run in four overs

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan created a new record when he bowled 23 consecutive dot balls in a single T-20 match to register the most economical figures in the history of T-20 cricket.

Irfan, who represents Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) also took two wickets to finish with a figure of four overs, three maidens, two wickets and just one run. The run came in the last ball of his fourth over.

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His record-setting performance, however, wasn’t enough to guide his side to victory against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Batting first, the Tridents could only manage 147 runs in 20 overs for the loss of six wickets, with Ben Cutting and Anton Devcich picking up two wickets each. Jason Holder was the top-scorer or the Tridents with a 35-ball 54.

But the Patriots despite getting to a worst possible start, when Chris Gayle was dismissed off the first ball, romped to victory with an over to spare. Brandon King top scored for them with a 60 from 49 balls, while Cutting chipped in with a handy 29.

The seven feet tall bowler had also dismissed Elvin Lewis in his opening over and had the Patriots reeli9ng at 18-2 in the seventh over when he finished his spell.

His team though failed to make most of the start and ended up on the losing side. But despite the defeat, Irfan was declared the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance with the ball.

I’m really happy. I would’ve liked to have been on the winning side, but I am happy that I bowled one of the best spells in T20 cricket. I liked bowling on the lively wicket, and I get an extra bounce because of my height. So yes, a satisfying performance,” he said at the post-match conference.