In the high-stakes world of international cricket, facing Jasprit Bumrah, one of the premier fast bowlers of the modern era, is a daunting task for any batsman. Known for his lethal yorkers, deceptive pace variations, and an ability to maintain pressure with an economy rate that stifles scoring, Bumrah has been a nightmare for many top-order batsmen. However, amidst the countless deliveries he has bowled, there are rare moments when the bat has dominated the ball. Here, we delve into the performances of three players who managed to score the most runs in a single over against Jasprit Bumrah across all formats of the game.
Sam Billings – T20I (20 Runs in 2017)
The T20 format, with its emphasis on aggressive play, provided the backdrop for one of the most memorable overs against Jasprit Bumrah. In 2017, during a match between India and England, Sam Billings unleashed an extraordinary assault, scoring 20 runs off Bumrah’s over. The sequence – 4, 4, 2, 6, 0, 4 – showcased not just Billings’ skill but also the audacity to take on one of the best bowlers in the world at his own game.
This over was a testament to Billings’ ability to read Bumrah’s variations, particularly his slower deliveries, which are often Bumrah’s weapon of choice in the T20 format. Billings’ aggressive approach included a fine edge past the keeper for a boundary, a powerful pull for six, and some sharp running to capitalize on misfields. It was a moment that not only boosted England’s total but also put a dent in Jasprit Bumrah’s otherwise stellar economy rate in the format.
Mitchell Marsh – ODI (18 Runs in 2023)
Moving to the 50-over format, Mitchell Marsh found himself in the rare spot of dominating Jasprit Bumrah. During an ODI encounter in 2023, Marsh managed to score 18 runs off Bumrah in one over with the sequence – 6, 0, 4, 4, 4. This over came at a crucial juncture, with Australia looking to accelerate their scoring rate.
Marsh, known for his aggressive style and power-hitting, took advantage of perhaps a slightly off-color over from Jasprit Bumrah. He started the over with a massive six over long-off, followed by a series of boundaries that included a crisp cover drive and a pull shot that raced to the fence. This display of power and precision against Bumrah was not just about scoring runs; it was a statement of intent, showcasing Marsh’s capability to take on and even outscore one of the world’s best.
Sam Konstas – Test (18 Runs in 2024)
Perhaps the most surprising of all was the performance by Sam Konstas in Test cricket during 2024 in his test debut. Facing Jasprit Bumrah, known for his mastery in the longest format, Konstas played an over that would go down in history – scoring 18 runs with the sequence – 4, 0, 2, 6, 4, 2.
This over was not just about the runs; it was about the audacity of a young player on his debut. Konstas, showing nerves of steel, dispatched Bumrah’s deliveries with a combination of timing, placement, and aggression. A flat-batted six over midwicket stood out, but it was his ability to find the gaps for boundaries that truly marked this over. Facing Jasprit Bumrah in Test cricket and scoring at this rate is a feat that speaks volumes about Konstas’s potential and his fearless approach to the game.
The Legacy of Facing Bumrah
These instances where players have scored heavily against Bumrah are not just statistical anomalies; they are moments of cricketing brilliance, where the batsman has outwitted one of the best in the business. Bumrah’s reputation as a bowler who can change the game with his precision and variations makes these overs even more remarkable.
The psychological impact of such performances cannot be understated. For a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, who prides himself on his control and economy, these overs serve as rare blemishes on an otherwise illustrious career. However, they also highlight the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even the best can be challenged on their off days or by players who have done their homework.
While Jasprit Bumrah continues to be a formidable force in world cricket, these three players – Sam Billings, Mitchell Marsh, and Sam Konstas – have etched their names into history by scoring the most runs against him in an over across different formats. Their performances serve as a reminder of the beauty of cricket, where skill, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck can lead to moments that are celebrated for years to come. As Bumrah continues to evolve, so do the batsmen, ensuring that cricket remains a battle of wits, skill, and heart.
