How many bowlers are there in a team? There can be 5, 6, or even 7-8 bowlers, including multiple all-rounders. But what if all 11 bowlers in a team bowl?
This unprecedented event occurred today at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Delhi used 11 bowlers against Manipur in the Indian T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This is the first time such an incident has happened in recognized T20 cricket, even in international T20 matches. Previously, there have been a few instances where a maximum of 9 bowlers were used in a 20-over match. This has happened 4 times in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Delhi Sets Unique Record in T20 Cricket
Many records are made and broken every day in the cricket world. But sometimes, some unique records are made that surprise everyone. In the current Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Delhi, led by Ayush Badoni, ensured that all its players on the field bowled at least one over after being asked to bowl first. This broke the previous record of a team using a maximum of 9 bowlers in an innings.
Outstanding Bowling Performance by Delhi
Harsh Tyagi and Digvesh Rathi took two wickets each, while Badoni, Ayush Singh, and Priyansh Arya took one wicket each. They displayed excellent bowling. Mayank Rawat, Himmat Singh, and Anuj Rawat did not get any wickets and were expensive, with an economy rate of more than 10. They restricted Manipur to 120/8. In reply, Delhi achieved the target by losing six wickets in 19 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 59 runs from opener Yash Dhul.
Historic Achievement: All 11 Delhi Players Bowled
Delhi created a unique record in T20 history, becoming the first team in T20 cricket where all 11 players bowled in a match. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, during their match against Manipur at Wankhede in Mumbai, Delhi gave bowling opportunities to all 11 players.
Manipur’s Struggle and Delhi’s Success
Manipur won the toss and decided to bat first. Delhi’s captain decided to try something new, and it worked. Manipur could only manage 120 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.
Delhi’s full squad had their turn on the pitch in SMAT. pic.twitter.com/M56tgV09UX
— Nut Boult (@NutBoult) November 29, 2024
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Key Performances and Contributions
Ayush Badoni, the wicketkeeper-captain of Delhi, bowled two overs and took one wicket. Harsh Tyagi (2/11) and Digvesh Rathi (2/8) each took two wickets, while Ayush Singh (1/7) and Priyansh Arya (1/2) took one wicket each. However, Mayank Rawat, Himmat Singh, and Anuj Rawat were expensive and did not take any wickets.
Delhi Wins and Tops Group C
After restricting Manipur, Delhi achieved the target in 19 overs for the loss of six wickets. Yash Dhul’s unbeaten 59 led the team to victory. Delhi is currently in Group C with 12 points, winning four matches in a row, ahead of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, all tied with 8 points.
Breaking the T20 Bowling Record
By using 11 bowlers in an innings, Delhi broke the previous record for the most bowlers used in a T20 innings. No team had used more than nine bowlers in an innings before this match.