Darius Visser smashes T20I record with 39 runs in over
Darius Visser, a Samoan cricketer, has set a new record in men's T20 international cricket by scoring the most runs in a single over. The feat was achieved during a match against Vanuatu in the T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier held in Apia. Visser scored an impressive 132 runs off just 62 balls, breaking several previous records. Here are further details.
Visser's record-breaking feat against Vanuatu
In the 15th over of Samoa's innings, Visser tackled Nalin Nipiko, a right-arm pacer. He hit the first three deliveries over the deep midwicket boundary, followed by a six on a free-hit due to a front foot no-ball. Despite a dot ball interrupting his streak, Visser continued his onslaught. Nipiko's second no-ball was also dispatched for six by Visser who ended the over with another six, tallying up to an unprecedented 39 runs in one over.
Visser's achievement surpasses previous T20I records
As per ESPNcricinfo, Visser's achievement marked the fourth instance of a batter hitting six sixes in an over in men's T20Is. He joined India's Yuvraj Singh, WI's Kieron Pollard, and Nepal's Dipendra Singh. It was also the first time a team scored more than 36 runs in an over. Prior to this, there were five instances where teams managed to score 36 runs in an over, with India's being the first to do so against England in 2007.
Visser also scripts these records
Overall, Visser smoked 14 maximums during his stay. As per ESPNcricinfo, only four batters have hammered more sixes in a T20I innings. The batter, who arrived at number 4, also smoked five fours. He also recorded the second-highest T20I score by a batter operating at number four or lower. He is only behind Estonia's Sahil Chauhan, who scored a 41-ball 144* against Cyprus earlier this year.
Visser's contribution to Samoa's victory
Visser's record-breaking performance played a crucial role in Samoa's victory over Vanuatu. His score of 132 runs constituted the highest percentage of runs scored by a batter in a team's innings, with the second-highest score for Samoa being just 16 by their captain Caleb Jasmat. Visser also picked up a wicket as Samoa restricted Vanuatu to 164 for nine, securing a win by 10 runs.
Visser's journey from fast bowler to record-breaking batsman
Before his record-breaking performance, Visser was known as a fast bowler. However, persistent injuries and stress fractures led him to switch roles and focus on leg-spin and batting. This career transition has proven successful for the Sydney-born cricketer, who has now etched his name in the annals of cricket history with his extraordinary knock.
