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T20 is a cruel game for bowlers as there is little margin for error if the pitch is batting-friendly. However, conceding 70 runs in a spell is still a rare sight even if there are several T20 leagues across the world. In a Big Bash League (BBL) 2021 clash on December 27, 24-year-old Brisbane Heat bowler Liam Guthrie was taken to the cleaners by Melbourne Stars batters.
Guthrie was hit for seven sixes and two fours during his record-breaking spell. He gave extras as well with one no ball and six wides. His fourth over was the most expensive one as he went for 23 runs in the 15th over of the innings. Despite going for 70 runs, he managed to take two wickets as well including the scalp of half-centurion Hilton Cartwright.
On the other hand, Guthrie has been in decent form of late. He conceded just 10 runs and took a wicket against Melbourne Renegades on December 13.
The numbers game
The previous most expensive spell in BBL history belongs to Ben Dwarshuis who went for 61 runs in his four overs last season. He is also the only BBL bowler to take two wickets despite conceding 60 or more runs in an innings.
As far as overall T20 cricket is concerned (T20Is, domestic cricket, T20 leagues), Guthrie’s bowling figures are the fourth joint-most expensive spell in the format. Four other bowlers have conceded 70 runs in a T20 game including former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowler Basil Thampi who holds the record for most expensive spell in Indian Premier League (IPL). Also, he is the only bowler to take two wickets despite conceding 70 or more runs in the format.
However, it is still not the most expensive spell on Australian soil. In October 2019, Sri Lankan bowler Kasun Rajitha conceded 75 runs in his four overs against Australia in Adelaide in a T20I game where David Warner scored a century. Rajitha remained wicketless during his record-breaking spell. It is also the most expensive spell in T20Is.
The record for most expensive spell in the 20-over format belongs to Pakistan bowler Sarmad Anwar who conceded 81 runs from four overs earlier this year in National T20 Cup for Sialkot Stallions against Lahore Lions. He bowled as many as four no balls and ended up conceding 10 fours and four sixes.
