England fast bowler Jofra Archer set an unwanted record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, registering the most expensive bowling figures in the tournament’s history.
Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Archer conceded 76 runs in his four-over spell without taking a wicket during their 44-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-scoring encounter.
Archer surpassed the previous record held by India seamer Mohit Sharma, who had conceded 73 runs in four overs while playing for Gujarat Titans against Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL season.
The dismal performance saw Archer endure relentless onslaughts from Sunrisers’ aggressive batting lineup, which powered their way to a massive total of 286-6.
Sunrisers’ Batting Onslaught
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings came close to rewriting IPL history, finishing just one run short of their own record for the highest team total in the competition. Their previous record of 287 was set against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last year.
The batting charge was led by India’s Ishan Kishan, who delivered a blistering unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls, smashing 11 fours and six sixes.
Australia’s Travis Head laid the foundation with a quick-fire 67 from 31 deliveries, ensuring Sunrisers got off to a flying start. Sunrisers reached an imposing 94-1 by the end of the six-over powerplay, leaving the Royals struggling to contain the carnage.
The scoring rate remained relentless as the team crossed the 200-run mark by the 15th over. South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen added crucial late runs, scoring 34 off 14 balls in support of Kishan’s masterclass.
Royals’ Fightback Falls Short
In response, Rajasthan Royals faced early setbacks, losing three wickets with just 50 runs on the board. However, a spirited fourth-wicket stand between skipper Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel momentarily revived their hopes. Samson smashed 66 off 37 balls, while Jurel contributed a rapid 70 off 35 deliveries.
Despite their heroics, the monumental target remained beyond reach. Their dismissals in consecutive overs effectively sealed the Royals’ fate as they finished at 242-6, falling 44 runs short of the Sunrisers’ mammoth total.
Among Sunrisers’ bowlers, Harshal Patel emerged as the most effective, claiming 2-34 in his four overs. However, Australian pacer Pat Cummins struggled with figures of 0-60.
Historic Bowling Records
Archer now tops the list of most expensive bowling figures in IPL history. The ignominious record books also include Mohit Sharma (0-73 in 2024), Basil Thampi (0-70 in 2018), Yash Dayal (0-69 in 2023), and Reece Topley (1-68 in 2024).
Other IPL Action
Elsewhere on Sunday, Chennai Super Kings secured a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, with New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra guiding them home with an unbeaten 65.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, runners-up in the 2024 season, have once again laid down an early marker in this year’s IPL with their record-breaking batting display, leaving Rajasthan Royals searching for solutions ahead of their next fixture.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
