Indian pacer Umran Malik, who has represented India in 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 8 T20Is, once again found himself in the spotlight, but for the wrong reasons. In a dramatic over during the DY Patil T20 Cup on Thursday, the Jammu and Kashmir-born fast bowler conceded an astonishing 36 runs in just six balls.
Malik, known for his blistering pace in the Indian Premier League, had another expensive over earlier in the match, giving away 23 runs, meaning he conceded a total of 59 runs in just two overs.
The match, held in Mumbai, featured Malik playing for Tata Sports Club against Mumbai Customs. Batting first, Tata Sports Club posted a competitive total of 193 runs.
Malik was handed the ball in the second over of the innings. In that over, Rigved More hammered three sixes and a four, taking 23 runs off Malik’s over. Given this early carnage, captain Shardul Thakur decided not to bowl him in the subsequent over.
The 26-year-old pacer returned to bowl in the 13th over of the innings. By that point, Mumbai Customs’ opening pair, Rigved More and Sachin Yadav, had already stitched together 128 runs, with just eight overs remaining and 65 runs required for victory. Under immense pressure, Malik conceded another 36 runs in a single over, further tipping the game in the opposition’s favour.
The over itself was a mix of spectacular hitting and rare misfortune:
First ball: 1 run
Second ball: four by More
Third ball: six by More (delivery called a no-ball)
Free hit: no run taken
Next two balls: four and six
Wide and no-ball
Free hit by Yadav: four (called no-ball)
Final free hit: six
After the over, Malik’s figures read 2–0–59–0, underlining a challenging day for the fast bowler. Mumbai Customs needed 29 runs from 42 balls at the start of the 13th over and completed the chase comfortably in just 18 balls, winning the match with ease.
Umran Malik: Bowling Summary
| Over | Runs Conceded | Key Events | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | 23 | 3 sixes, 1 four by Rigved More | Malik removed from next over |
| 13th | 36 | 1 run, 4, 6 (no-ball), free hit, 4, 6, wide, no-ball, free hit six | Costliest over of the match |
| Total (2 overs) | 59 | Combined figures from 2 overs | 0 wickets taken |
Cricket analysts have noted that despite his raw pace and ability to generate excitement, consistency remains a challenge for Malik. While he has the talent to dominate in the T20 format, this match emphasised the fine margins in modern cricket and the pressures that fast bowlers face when chasing tight targets.