In cricket, what’s the record number of runs conceded off a single delivery?
Of course, under normal circumstances, the maximum number of runs that a bowler can concede off a single, legitimate delivery is six. However, the Laws of Cricket, not to mention a variety of abnormal, at times bizarre, circumstances, dictate that the maximum number can be more, every so often many more, than six.
For example, if the ball strikes a protective helmet belonging to the fielding side, a penalty of five runs is awarded to the batting side, while any runs completed, or in progress, if the batters have already crossed at the moment of impact, also count against the bowler. Likewise, a six off a no-ball counts as seven runs and four runs plus four overthrows, if the ball crosses the boundary at the result of misfielding, counts as eight.
The record for number of runs conceded off a single delivery in any form of top level, competitive cricket is, in fact, 20. That unenviable feat was achieved by Hobart Hurricanes’ seamer Clint McKay against Melbourne Stars in a Big Bash League match at Bellerive Oval on January 9, 2012. In pursuit of a Stars’ total of 203/3 over their 20 overs, at a run rate of 10/15, Hurricanes were 0-1 after just two balls when heavy-hitting left-hander Travis Birt came to the crease.
True to form, in the fifth over, with rain clouds looming, Birt set about McKay with gusto. The fourth ball of the over was the first of three consecutive sixes, the last two of which came off no balls, such that the total was effectively 6 + 7 + 7 = 20 off a single delivery. Ironically, Birt played on next ball, having made 51 off 23 balls, and Hobart subsequently collapsed to 184 for 9, thereby losing by 19 runs.