In a bizarre turn of events during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT), pacer Jofra Archer found himself in the record books for all the wrong reasons. The England speedster bowled an 11-ball over, the longest in IPL history, conceding 25 runs and registering an unwanted milestone.
How Did the 11-Ball Over Unfold?
The over, which came during the crucial phase of the match, saw a series of no-balls and wides from Archer, extending the over beyond the regulation six deliveries. The over began with Archer bowling a no-ball, which was followed by a free hit. The batsman capitalized on the opportunity, smashing boundaries and twos. Archer then bowled another no-ball, leading to another free hit. A wide delivery further added to the woes. By the time the over ended, Archer had delivered 11 balls, including two no-balls and one wide, with the batsmen scoring 25 runs off the bat and extras.
Previous Record and Context
The previous record for the most balls in an IPL over was held by Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga, who bowled an eight-ball over in 2019. Archer's over surpassed that by three balls, setting a new unwanted benchmark. The over also contributed to a high-scoring match, with GT posting a formidable total. Archer's figures for the match took a hit, as he finished with 0 for 48 in his four overs.
Reactions and Aftermath
Social media erupted with memes and criticism of Archer's wayward bowling. Fans and experts alike pointed out the lack of control and discipline, especially in a high-stakes IPL encounter. Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson was seen visibly frustrated in the field. Archer, who has been struggling with form and injuries in recent seasons, will look to bounce back in the upcoming matches.
The record is a stark reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket, where a single over can change the course of a match. For Archer, it is a learning experience as he aims to regain his rhythm and contribute to his team's success in the tournament.
