Five Bowlers Who Conceded the Most Expensive Overs in T20 World Cup History

As the T20 World Cup 2026 gets set to begin on February 7, the shortest format of the game once again promises high-voltage action, explosive batting, and razor-thin margins for bowlers. Since its inception in 2007, the T20 World Cup has often been described as a batter-friendly tournament, where even world-class bowlers can find themselves under severe pressure.

Across the nine editions played between 2007 and 2024, there have been moments when bowlers endured nightmare overs, conceding an extraordinary number of runs. Here is a look at five bowlers who bowled the most expensive overs in T20 World Cup history, including two instances where the maximum 36 runs were scored in a single over.

Stuart Broad (England) – 36 Runs

The most iconic and unforgettable over in T20 World Cup history belongs to England pacer Stuart Broad. During the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, Broad was taken apart by India’s Yuvraj Singh, who smashed six consecutive sixes in an over. The over not only set a world record but also became one of the defining moments of T20 cricket.

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) – 36 Runs

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai endured a tough outing during the 2024 T20 World Cup against the West Indies. In a single over, he conceded 36 runs, with Nicholas Pooran hammering three sixes and two fours. The over was further worsened by 10 runs in extras, making it one of the costliest in tournament history.

Jeremy Gordon (Canada) – 33 Runs

Canadian fast bowler Jeremy Gordon found himself on the wrong side of history in the 2024 T20 World Cup against the USA. He conceded 33 runs in an over as Andries Gous struck two sixes and two fours, while Aaron Jones added another six. The over also included three wides and two no-balls, compounding Gordon’s misery.

Izatullah Dawlatzai (Afghanistan) – 32 Runs

During the 2012 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan’s Izatullah Dawlatzai conceded 32 runs in an over against England. After being hit for a boundary off the first ball, Dawlatzai bounced back briefly by dismissing Jos Buttler on the next delivery. However, Jonny Bairstow and Luke Wright then launched a brutal counterattack, smashing a total of four sixes to take the over well beyond control.

Harmeet Singh (USA) – 32 Runs

USA pacer Harmeet Singh joined this unwanted list during the 2024 T20 World Cup against England. He conceded 32 runs in a single over, as England captain Jos Buttler punished him with five towering sixes. The over also featured a wide delivery, adding to the damage.