Top 5 most expensive overs in T20 World Cup history

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has produced some of the most thrilling moments in cricket, with explosive batting often turning the outcome of the matches in a matter of overs. In a format where momentum shifts rapidly, a single over can completely change the course of the game, especially when a batter finds rhythm and unleashes their power game. 

Over the years, several bowlers have endured nightmare overs where batters have taken full advantage of the shortest format’s attacking nature. With power-hitters constantly looking to dominate, even the best bowlers have occasionally conceded huge runs in a single over.

Here are the top 5 most expensive overs in T20 World Cup history

5. Izatullah Dawlatzai vs England, 2012 (32 runs)

The Afghanistan fast-bowler finds his name in this unfortunate and unwanted list. During their clash against England in the 2012 edition, he faced the wrath of the English batters, as he conceded 32 runs in a single over.

Coming in to bowl the 19th over, he was taken apart by the English batters. While Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow had their share in this onslaught, it was Luke Wright who did the most damage. The English batter smashed the pacer for three consecutive sixes in that over. Overall, England smashed 32 runs in Dawlatzai’s over.

4. Harmeet Singh vs England, 2024 (32 runs)

Again, the English side gets featured in this list, especially Jos Buttler. During England’s match against USA in the T20 World Cup 2024, Jos Buttler went on a rampage mode as he smashed the USA bowler for a staggering 32 runs.

Phil Salt took a single on the first ball, and what followed was pure carnage by the English skipper. The dashing English opener smashed five-consecutive sixes in next five deliveries. Singh conceded 32 runs in a single over, which included one wide delivery by him.

3. Jeremy Gordon vs USA, 2024 (33 runs)

Yet another 2024 T20 World Cup, and this features co-hosts the USA team. Chasing a target of 195 set by Canada, USA batters Andries Gous and Aaron Jones. Gordon bowled a staggering 11 balls in this over, and that itself tells a story.

The over included two no balls and three wides. The USA batters smashed three sixes and two fours in this record-breaking over, as they chased down the target in just 17.4 overs.

2.  Azmatullah Omarzai vs WI, 2024 (36 runs)

Yet another Afghanistan bowler makes it into this unwanted list; this time it was Azmatullah Omarzai. He got smashed for a record-equalling 36 runs by the West Indies’ power hitter Nicholas Pooran.

Coming in to bowl the fourth over of his team, Omarzai was taken to the cleaners by the stylish left-hander. Pooran hit three sixes and a four, scoring 26 with the bat. One boundary came by leg byes, whereas it also included one no-ball and five wides. Pooran ended up scoring 98 runs in just 53 balls.

1. Stuart Broad vs India, 2007 (36 runs)

Arguably the most famous over by a bowler ever in T20I cricket. History was made by India’s southpaw, Yuvraj Singh, in India’s clash against England in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Andrew Flintoff had some argument with Singh during his innings, and what followed was history, as Yuvraj famously hit Stuart Broad for six sixes in a single over.

He scored 58 runs in just 16 balls, which included seven mammoth sixes. He was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding knock.