Arshdeep Singh arrived in New Chandigarh on Thursday as India's most reliable wicket-taker in T20Is, a bowler known for his control at the death and his ability to deliver under pressure.
But in the second T20I against South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the 26-year-old found himself at the centre of an unexpected and unwanted milestone: he bowled a 13-ball over - only the second such instance in men's T20I history.
The moment unfolded during the 11th over of South Africa's chase in the first-ever T20I held at the newly built Mullanpur venue. Arshdeep, in the middle of his third over, completely lost his radar. What should have been a routine six-ball over spiralled out of control as he sprayed wide after
wide. By the time the umpire finally called "over," Arshdeep had rolled his arm 13 times, leaking 18 runs in the process.
The over began ominously, with the left-arm seamer being dispatched for a straight six. Instead of regaining rhythm, the situation worsened. Seven deliveries were called wides - a jarring sight from a bowler who has built his reputation on accuracy and discipline. The frustration was visible across the Indian camp, with the coaching staff looking on in disbelief as the over stretched far longer than it should have.
By bowling 13 balls, Arshdeep joined Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq, who delivered an identical 13-ball over against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2024. Before these two instances, the record for most balls in a T20I over was held by South Africa's Sisanda Magala, who bowled a 12-ball over against Pakistan in 2021.
For Arshdeep, the over will undoubtedly be a forgettable one, but with his experience and proven record, India will hope he bounces back quickly. The match may move on, but the unwanted statistic will linger as one of the more dramatic moments of the series.
