If there’s one thing we all agree on across the cricket world, the nail-biting thrill ride is the 20th over in T20 matches. The last over of a PSL is our climax point — a potential turning point — the ‘danger zone’ we all adore. Six balls of pure chaos, pressure, and scintillating drama. As they say, misery loves company. Wahab Riaz sticks out like a sore thumb regarding the bad company for the 20th over, but he has others who can relate to his misfortunes. Join me as we take a numbers-focused look at three cricketers who cannot shake the 20th-over curse.
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Wahab Riaz
Wahab Riaz might be known for his fiery pace, but with the bat in the final over, he’s… well, let’s just say he’s consistent—in the worst way possible. Across 15 innings, Wahab has been dismissed 13 times in the 20th over. His batting numbers read like a horror story: 0 runs from 14 balls, a strike rate of 0.00, and a batting average of 0.00.
It’s not just that Wahab isn’t scoring—he isn’t surviving. He’s been sent out in pressure situations and failed almost every single time. No boundaries, no singles, not even a lucky edge for a couple. In fact, he’s been out more often in the 20th over than anyone else on record. Whether it’s mistimed swings or just poor luck, Wahab has become the 20th over’s most reliable dismissal.
Hasan Ali
Another fast bowler who has faced challenges in the 20th-over role is Hasan Ali. While Hasan’s 20th-over performances may not be as disappointing as Wahab’s, they are not particularly impressive either. Hasan has played 11 innings where he has batted in the 20th over, and his 20th-over record is similar to that of Wahab. He has batted in the 20th over 11 times, accumulating a total of 2 runs off 11 balls.
The interesting thing about Hasan is that, unlike Wahab, he has at least been able to take two singles during his 20th over innings, which at least presents the opportunity for him to rotate the strike. In contrast to Wahab, he has not hit a single boundary during his innings and has not once batted past the final over.
Darren Sammy
Now, we come to the wild card, Darren Sammy. Although he was widely known for his late-over heroics during his days with the West Indies, Sammy being on this list might turn a few heads. But the numbers speak for themselves. In 9 innings, Sammy has been dismissed 8 times in the 20th over, and has scored just 1 run off 10 balls, for a strike rate of 0.60… not exactly what you would expect from a clutch finisher.
Whether it is age catching up, poor form, or just poorly timed performances, what is clear, despite the accolades for his past work, is that Sammy’s recent performances in the 20th over have been very different from what we used to see. In the dressing room, he may still be a leader, but with the bat in hand, during the final over? No way.
The 20th over can be a graveyard for tailenders—and sometimes even former greats. For Wahab Riaz, it’s been a recurring nightmare; for Hasan Ali, a lesson in futility; and for Darren Sammy, a reminder that even finishers can falter.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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