Pakistan speedster Mohammad Irfan recorded the most economical bowling figures in Twenty20 history but still ended up on the losing side.
While playing for Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Irfan finished with figures of 4-3-1-2 but was unable to guide his team to victory against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. He bowled 23 consecutive dot balls and the only run conceded came in his final delivery.
Opting to bowl first, Patriots kept Tridents to 147 for 6 with Ben Cutting and Anton Devcich claiming two wickets each. Skipper Jason Holder was the only stand-out performer with the bat for Barbados as he scored 54 runs off 35 balls (4 fours and 3 sixes).
While chasing, the Patriots got off to an awful start. Irfan removed the dangerous Chris Gayle in the very first delivery of the innings and followed it up with the wicket of Evin Lewis in the third over. Irfan continued to trouble the Patriots batsmen in the subsequent overs. When the lanky paceman finished his spell in the seventh over, the Patriots were reeling at 18 for 2.
What a performance from Mohammad Irfan to take the #Playoftheday crown at match 16 of #CPL18 #Cricketplayedlouder pic.twitter.com/U9ZGC8J5v2
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 26, 2018
Truly honored & humbled to make the world record for the most economical four over bowling figures in the history of T20 cricket: 4-3-1-2. Thanks @CPL & @BIMTridents. Also I can't say it enough but Caribbean people are pure love. ???????????? #SayaCorporation @TalhaAisham pic.twitter.com/ot0zdEKMKC
— Mohammad Irfan (@M_IrfanOfficial) August 26, 2018
However, the dominance was only for a brief period as Brandon King (49-ball 60) and Devon Thomas (29-ball 32) bailed the team out of trouble with a 88-run partnership for the third wicket. Later on, Ben Cutting (21-ball 29*) and Tom Cooper (9-ball 13*) completed the chase with six wickets in hand and seven balls to spare.
Speaking after the match, Irfan said: “I'm really happy. I would've been happier if the team won, but I am happy that I bowled one of the best spells in T20 cricket.”
“I liked bowling on the lively wicket, and I get extra bounce because of my height, so yes, a satisfying performance,” he added.