Kyle Abbott claims best bowling figures in first-class cricket since 1956

Former South African bowler Kyle Abbott bowled himself into the record books while performing for his county side Hampshire. The tall pacer recorded unbelievable match figures of 17/86 against Somerset at Southampton. These are the best bowling figures in first-class cricket since Jim Laker’s miraculous feat of 19/90 in 1956. Abbott’s incredible spell helped Hampshire celebrate a 136-run win.

All but one

Batting first, Hampshire finished with only 196 runs on the board. After collapsing to 24/5, Liam Dawson led the recovery with 103 on his own. In reply, Abbott tore Somerset batting line-up apart. With Fidel Edwards taking a sole wicket, the South African bowler recorded the astonishing figures of 18.4-9-40-9! Somerset conceded a trail of 54 runs.

Stellar repeat

James Vince scored a brilliant 142 while Abbott was the second-highest scorer in the third innings with a score of 25. Set 281 runs to win, Somerset fell apart after a good start. From 86/0, they finished at 144 all out. Abbott once again was the chief destroyer. His spell of 17.4-3-46-8 clinched the triumph.

Into the records

Abbott’s match haul of 17 wickets is only second in the current century after John Davison’s haul of 17/137 for Canada against USA back in 2004. Since 1950, he is only the third bowler to take a minimum of 17 wickets in a first-class match.

3⃣5⃣.2⃣Overs
1⃣2⃣ Maidens
8⃣6⃣ Runs
1⃣7⃣ Wickets

Purely sensational from @Kyle_Abbott87 who’s figures are the best by any Hampshire bowler of all time & the 4⃣th best in @CountyChamp history ? pic.twitter.com/FJNA8IYk3s

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) September 18, 2019

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