In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, England's Jonny Bairstow unleashed a furious assault on South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, plundering a staggering 34 runs off a single over during the third T20 International in Durban. This explosive passage of play, which saw Bairstow equal the world record for most runs in an over in T20 Internationals, was the cornerstone of England's commanding 41-run victory, leveling the four-match series at 1-1.
The Record-Equalling Onslaught
The carnage unfolded in the 18th over of England's innings, bowled by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Jonny Bairstow, who was well set at the crease, shifted gears with devastating effect. The over proceeded as follows: a six over long-off, a no-ball followed by a free-hit dispatched for another six, a four, another massive six, a double, and finally a second no-ball which was hit for a fourth six. The official tally from the seven legitimate deliveries was a mind-boggling 34 runs.
Bairstow's final score was a blistering 90 not out from just 53 balls, an innings laced with eight sixes and three fours. His partnership of 91 runs with captain Eoin Morgan, who scored 27, propelled England to a formidable total of 204 for 7. Reflecting on the over, Bairstow revealed his audacious mindset, stating he was actively "looking for six sixes" after hitting the first few deliveries to the boundary.
Context and Match Consequences
This match was a crucial one for England, who were trailing 1-0 in the series after the first game was washed out and they lost the second. Bairstow's assault completely altered the momentum of the innings and put the South African bowling attack, particularly Maharaj, under immense pressure. The previous record for the most expensive over in T20Is was also 34 runs, conceded by Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya against West Indies in 2021.
Facing a steep target of 205, South Africa's chase never truly gained the required momentum. England's bowlers, led by Mark Wood's impressive 3 for 32 and Chris Jordan's 2 for 31, kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Despite a valiant 66 from 34 balls by skipper Quinton de Kock and a brisk 35 from Temba Bavuma, the Proteas were restricted to 163 for 7, falling short by 41 runs.
Series Poised for a Grand Finale
The victory at Kingsmead in Durban sets up a tantalizing decider for the final T20I of the series. With the scoreline now level at 1-1, both teams will head into the next match with everything to play for. Bairstow's historic over has not only etched his name in the record books but has also injected tremendous excitement into the contest.
The focus now shifts to how South Africa will regroup their bowling unit after such a punishing experience. For England, the confidence from this record-breaking performance will be immense as they look to clinch the series. The third T20I will be remembered for Jonny Bairstow's sheer brutality, a reminder of the destructive potential that defines modern T20 cricket.
