Jofra Archer now holds the record for conceding the most runs in a single innings in IPL history, breaking Mohit Sharma’s previous record. Archer’s return to the IPL after a one-year gap turned out to be anything but pleasant. By conceding 76 runs in 4 overs without taking a wicket, the English pacer surpassed Mohit Sharma’s record and, in a way, “freed” him from this unwanted title.
Mohit Sharma had previously given away 73 runs in 4 overs while playing for Gujarat Titans against Delhi Capitals last season. Archer, however, surpassed that in Rajasthan Royals’ first match of this season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Archer came on to bowl in the fifth over. Travis Head welcomed him with a four and a six off the first two balls, followed by three consecutive fours in the last three deliveries. The over ended with 23 runs.
He returned to bowl the 12th over, where Nitish Kumar Reddy hit two fours, adding 12 runs to the total. In his next over, Ishan Kishan smashed three sixes, with the over yielding 22 runs.
Archer bowled his final over in the 18th over of the innings. His first delivery almost flew over the batsman’s head and also beat the keeper, resulting in four runs through byes along with a no-ball for height. He conceded four more boundaries in the over, which ended with 23 runs.
Powered by Ishan Kishan’s destructive century, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive total of 286 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs after losing the toss.
It wasn’t just Archer who had a rough day. Two other Rajasthan bowlers also went for more than 50 runs. Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana took 2 wickets but gave away 52 runs in his 4 overs. Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma managed 1 wicket while conceding 51 runs in 4 overs.
Archer didn’t play in the last IPL season. Initially, his name was not even on the shortlist for this season’s auction, which raised curiosity and questions. However, he was added to the list three days before the auction, and Rajasthan Royals bought him for 12.5 crore rupees.
