Bowlers’ Nightmare! Top 10 Instances of Most Runs in Test in One Over
Test cricket is usually slow and patient, but sometimes, magic happens.
A single over changes everything—35 runs, 28 runs, 27 runs—all in just six balls (or sometimes more due to no-balls and wides!).
In this article, we’ll relive the most thrilling moments where batsmen turned into unstoppable forces, breaking records and leaving bowlers stunned.
From Bumrah’s unbelievable 35-run over to Brian Lara’s masterclass, these are the biggest, craziest, and most unforgettable overs in Test cricket history.
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Most Runs in Test in One Over
Cricket is a game full of excitement, and one of the most thrilling moments is when a batsman scores the most runs in Test in one over.
This rare feat happens when a batter hits boundaries and sixes in a single over, making history.
In this article, we will look at the top performances where players scored the most runs in Test in one over.
We will discuss each record in detail, including the player, bowler, match, and venue.
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JJ Bumrah – 35 Runs in One Over (2022)
- Player: JJ Bumrah (India)
- Bowler: SCJ Broad (England)
- Match: India vs England
- Location: Birmingham
- Season: 2022
What Happened?
In 2022, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah made history by smashing 35 runs in a single over against England’s Stuart Broad.
This is the highest number of runs scored in one over in Test cricket history.
Bumrah, who is usually known for his bowling, surprised everyone with his batting. The over included:
- 4 wides (bowler’s mistake)
- 4 no-balls (illegal deliveries)
- 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 1 (runs scored off legal balls)
This incredible over helped India set a big target, and they won the match.
Read out – Rishabh Pant Stats: 7 Centuries, 6 Sixes & Records Broken!
Brian Lara – 28 Runs in One Over (2003-04)
- Player: Brian Lara (West Indies)
- Bowler: RJ Peterson (South Africa)
- Match: West Indies vs South Africa
- Location: Johannesburg
- Season: 2003-04
What Happened?
The legendary Brian Lara showed his class by scoring 28 runs in one over against South Africa’s Robin Peterson.
The over went like this:
- 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4
Lara’s aggressive batting helped West Indies put up a strong total.
This remains one of the best performances for the most runs in Test in one over.
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George Bailey – 28 Runs in One Over (2013-14)
- Player: George Bailey (Australia)
- Bowler: JM Anderson (England)
- Match: Australia vs England
- Location: Perth
- Season: 2013-14
What Happened?
Australian batsman George Bailey destroyed England’s James Anderson by hitting 28 runs in a single over.
The sequence was:
- 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6
Bailey’s explosive batting helped Australia dominate the match, and this over is still remembered as one of the best for the most runs in Test in one over.
Keshav Maharaj – 28 Runs in One Over (2019-20)
- Player: Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
- Bowler: JE Root (England)
- Match: South Africa vs England
- Location: Port Elizabeth
- Season: 2019-20
What Happened?
South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj surprised everyone by smashing 28 runs off England’s part-time bowler Joe Root.
The over included:
- 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, byes (4 runs)
This was a rare moment where a bowler (Maharaj) scored big against another bowler (Root).
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Shahid Afridi – 27 Runs in One Over (2005-06)
- Player: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
- Bowler: Harbhajan Singh (India)
- Match: Pakistan vs India
- Location: Lahore
- Season: 2005-06
What Happened?
Known for his explosive batting, Shahid Afridi hammered 27 runs in one over against India’s Harbhajan Singh.
The over went like this:
- 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, 1
Afridi’s aggressive style made this one of the most entertaining overs in Test cricket.
Harry Brook – 27 Runs in One Over (2022-23)
- Player: Harry Brook (England)
- Bowler: Zahid Mahmood (Pakistan)
- Match: England vs Pakistan
- Location: Rawalpindi
- Season: 2022-23
What Happened?
England’s young star Harry Brook smashed 27 runs off Pakistan’s Zahid Mahmood.
The sequence was:
- 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 3
Brook’s fearless batting helped England win the match in a thrilling way.
Other Performances for Most Runs in Test in One Over
Here are some other players who have scored big in a single over in Test cricket:
Craig McMillan – 26 Runs (2000-01)
- Player: Craig McMillan (New Zealand)
- Bowler: Younis Khan (Pakistan)
- Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Location: Hamilton
McMillan hit 26 runs in one over, including four boundaries and a six.
Brian Lara (Again!) – 26 Runs (2006-07)
- Player: Brian Lara (West Indies)
- Bowler: Danish Kaneria (Pakistan)
- Match: West Indies vs Pakistan
- Location: Multan
Lara proved his greatness again by smashing 26 runs in an over.
Mitchell Johnson – 26 Runs (2008-09)
- Player: Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
- Bowler: Paul Harris (South Africa)
- Match: Australia vs South Africa
- Location: Johannesburg
Johnson, a fast bowler, surprised everyone by hitting 26 runs in an over.
Brendon McCullum – 26 Runs (2014-15)
- Player: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
- Bowler: Lakmal (Sri Lanka)
- Match: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
- Location: Christchurch
McCullum, known for his aggressive batting, smashed 26 runs in one over.
Why is Scoring Most Runs in Test in One Over So Special?
- It’s very rare in Test cricket because bowlers are usually more disciplined.
- Only a few players have achieved this feat.
- It changes the momentum of the match quickly.
Final Thoughts
Scoring the most runs in Test in one over is a rare and exciting achievement.
Players like Bumrah, Lara, and Afridi have made history with their explosive batting.
Which performance do you think was the best? Let us know in the comments!