Bowler Achievement: Taking 5 Wickets in a Single Over
Throughout the annals of cricket, the feat of taking 5 wickets in a single over stands out as a rare and remarkable achievement. This article explores the history of such a feat, highlighting notable instances in both men's and women's cricket.
The Legendary Wasim Akram
As of August 2023, the only professional bowler to take 5 wickets in a single over is the legendary Wasim Akram, a Pakistani fast bowler. In a domestic match in 1999, Akram achieved this astonishing feat, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game.
Saeed Ajmal and Muttiah Muralitharan
While Saeed Ajmal and Muttiah Muralitharan have taken multiple wickets in an over, the specific achievement of 5 wickets in a single over remains rare and primarily associated with Akram. Both Ajmal and Muralitharan are renowned for their exceptional bowler skills, but their records do not include this extraordinary achievement.
Modern Era Achievements
The closest to this remarkable feat in international cricket is Mohammed Aamer, a left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan. Aamer achieved the milestone during the 2010 20/20 World Cup when he took 5 wickets for Pakistan against Australia. This event marked a significant performance in the shortened format of the game.
Rubina Chhetri's Women's Cricket Success
While the men's game provided the most notable achievements, women's cricket also witnessed an outstanding instance. Rubina Chhettri, a bowler from Nepal, took 5 wickets in an over during the ACC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket in 2009 against Singapore. She managed to defend just 1 run in the final over, helping Nepal win the game through a bowl-out.
Abhimanyu Mithun's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Performance
Moving to recent times, Abhimanyu Mithun, a bowler from Karnataka, impressed in the first semi-final of the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Haryana. Mithun took five wickets in a single over, including a hat-trick. The match was held at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, further highlighting the importance of such performances in county cricket.
Conclusion
The achievement of taking 5 wickets in a single over is a rare and exceptional feat in cricket. Wasim Akram's achievement in 1999 stands as the only one in professional cricket, while recent instances by Mohammed Aamer and Abhimanyu Mithun showcase the ongoing legacy of this incredible talent.