T20 Blast: Colin Ackermann shatters all-time T20 record

The T20 Blast match between Leicestershire and Warwickshire at Grace Road, Leicester turned out to be a memorable one for a miraculous feat. Leicestershire captain and a part-time off-spinner, Colin Ackermann became the first bowler in T20 cricket to take seven wickets in an innings. There have been plenty of six-wicket hauls in the 20-over game but none had gone on to take seven. The 28-year old South African cricketer became the first to do so.

Batting first, Ackermann’s side posted a healthy total of 189/6 in 20 overs. Opener Harry Swindells and wicketkeeper Lewis Hill struck half-centuries while the captain himself fell for four runs from three balls. Warwickshire undertook the tall chase with 14 runs in the first two overs. Ackermann brought himself on for a solitary over in the powerplay.

The record spell

After conceding seven runs in his first three balls, the part-timer dismissed Michael Burgess as Harry Dearden held on to a low catch at short extra cover. Ackermann conceded eight runs in his first over. He bowled his second immediately after the powerplay. His bowling figures at this stage were quite normal – 2-0-13-1.

When Ackermann returned to the bowling crease, Warwickshire needed another 72 runs to win from the last six overs. However, the offie’s over turned out to be the killer blow. Will Rhodes, Liam Banks and Alex Thomson were all foxed by Ackermann. Rhodes was out bowled after an ugly hoick, Banks edged one straight to the bowler and Thomson failed to stop the ball from hitting the stumps. From 118/3, Warwickshire stumbled to 120/6.

It was in the 17th over that Ackermann claimed the world record. Sam Hain was caught at deep midwicket on the first ball of the over. Henry Brookes charged out to a delivery that stayed low and thudded into the stumps. Aaron Lilley completed a juggling catch at the boundary ropes on the last ball of Ackermann’s spell to establish a world record. The off-spinner’s figures now read – 4-0-18-7!

0️⃣3️⃣4️⃣W0️⃣1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣W2️⃣W0️⃣W0️⃣W1️⃣1️⃣W1️⃣W

Colin Ackermann takes 7/18 – the best bowling figures in T20 history

➡️ https://t.co/afo2WOG7iX pic.twitter.com/BLgpf0H2F1

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) August 7, 2019