Chris Morris breaks world record for most economical four-over spell in T20s
South African fast bowling all-rounder Chris Morris, representing Lions in a Ram Slam T20 match against Cape Cobras on November 14, registered figures of 4-3-2-2 to break the world record for the most economical four-over spell in the history of Twenty20s, previously jointly held by three bowlers – Zulfiqar Babar, Sunil Narine and Shoaib Malik – who had all conceded 3 runs in their 4 overs at an economy rate of 0.75.
Riding on a half-century from opening batsman Rassie van der Dussen, the home team had set a moderate target of 142 for the Cobras, who, in reply, could only make 94/9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of an all-round bowling show for the Lions’ bowling unit. Morris, a former Chennai Super Kings player, was easily the stand-out performer, picking up two wickets – one of which was Richard Levi – and bowling 23 dot balls.
Aware of the record – Chris Morris
Speaking after the match, Morris admitted that he was well aware of the record, and it was playing on his mind before delivering the last ball. He said: "Alviro [Petersen] came to me before the last ball and said that if I went for one run or less then I would get the world record, so that was going around in my head."
Feeling his way back into cricketing action following a six-month injury lay-off, which led to him being relieved from the 2014 Super Kings squad, he said: "I knew I had to fight hard to come back to the level where I know I can play, and fortunately it came off and the team won."
| Sl No | Bowler | Team | Spell (O-M-R-W) | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Morris | Highveld Lions | 4-3-2-2 | 0.50 |
| 2 | Zulfiqar Babar | Multan Tigers | 4-2-3-2 | 0.75 |
| 3 | Shoaib Malik | Barbados Tridents | 4-2-3-1 | 0.75 |
| 4 | Sunil Narine | Amazon Warriors | 4-1-3-0 | 0.75 |
| 5 | Shantanu Pitre | Madhya Pradesh | 4-1-4-3 | 1.00 |
| 6 | Suleimann Benn | Barbados | 4-1-4-2 | 1.00 |
| 7 | Ethan O’Reilly | Highveld Lions | 4-1-4-2 | 1.00 |
Following these seven are 11 bowlers who have conceded just 5 runs in their four overs at an economy rate of 1.25.
Note: Stats updated till November 14, 2014