A 77 Runs Over

There were quite a few occasions where batsmen hit six sixes in an over. Well, max 36 runs can be scored on 6 legitimate deliveries in an over. However, if we add the extras (Fun Trivia: Extras are also called ‘Sundries’ in Australia) then the limit can be pushed further. This is a story of a first-class match where 77 runs scored in an over.

Where it happened:

The bizarre incident happened at Christchurch, New Zealand on 20th February 1990. The match was played between Canterbury and Wellington. It was the last match for Wellington at Shell Trophy, and they needed to win the game to ensure the title.

The Status:

Canterbury won the toss and elected to field first. Wellington scored 202 runs in the first innings and Vance was the top scorer. He scored 51 runs. Later, he bowled that bizarre over and gave 77 runs in the second innings. In reply, Canterbury posted 221/7d. Wellington batted well in the second innings and declared at 309/6d. They set the target of 291 runs to win in front of Canterbury.

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The Strategy:

Canterbury was in no mood to chase down the target and happy to play for a draw. As the match progressed, the anxiety level raised at Wellington camp as they wanted to win the game at any cost. At penultimate over, Canterbury needed 95 runs to win with 2 wickets in hand. It was a no-brainer that Canterbury had no chance to win the game. However, there was an outside chance for Wellington, if they could grab the last two wickets in the final 12 balls. Coach John Morrison and captain McSweeney had a chat and came up with a plan. The ball was handed over to Bert Vance. A surprising choice as Vance had a limited experience in bowling and bowled only 39 overs in a career span of 6 seasons.

The 77 runs Over

Vance bowled a series of no balls. The idea was to give as many runs as possible and brought Canterbury closer to the target. If they sniffed the victory and went for big shots then the chances were more to bag the last two wickets. The first ball was no ball and Germon didn’t score any. The next one was legal delivery and Germon scored a boundary. Thereafter Vance bowled 17 no balls on trot. At one-point umpires lost the count of legal deliveries and declared the over after five balls. The over details are given below. The bold numbers are indicating legitimate deliveries.That’s how the costliest over in first-class cricket was bowled.

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The final over:

Canterbury needed 18 runs to win in the final over. The responsibility was given to Left-arm spinner Evan Gray. Germon went after him and scored 17 runs. The match ended in a tie.

Backfired:

It was a strategy failure for Wellington think tank. Moreover, Wellington lost 4 points due to slow over rate. Although it didn’t hurt Wellington as the results of other games went in their favor and they became the winner of the Shell Trophy. 

References:

Featured Image Credit:

• crictracker (resized as per the need)