Rashid Khan Concedes Record Runs in The Hundred as Birmingham Phoenix Stun Oval Invincibles

Afghanistan’s T20 captain Rashid Khan, one of the most feared leg-spinners in world cricket, has experienced fluctuations in form since the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). For the first time in his T20 career, he bowled at an economy rate exceeding 9 runs per over while playing for Gujarat Titans, a rare low point for the Afghan superstar. His performance in domestic T20 leagues also fell short of expectations, leaving fans and analysts surprised. Currently, Rashid is participating in England’s franchise competition, The Hundred, where he unfortunately recorded an embarrassing milestone—the highest number of runs conceded by a bowler in a single match in the league’s history.

Prior to this shocking performance, Rashid had been instrumental for the Oval Invincibles, helping secure victories in his previous two matches by taking three wickets in each game. His consistent impact had earned him the “Best Cricketer” award in both encounters, demonstrating his ability to dominate matches and influence outcomes. However, in the match against Birmingham Phoenix on Tuesday, Rashid experienced a nightmare spell. He conceded 59 runs in just 20 balls without claiming a single wicket, establishing a new record for the most runs given away in a match in The Hundred. Simultaneously, this became the highest number of runs he has ever conceded in his T20 career or in any other short-format competition, overshadowing his previously remarkable consistency.

Rashid’s prior career-best for runs conceded in T20 cricket was 55 runs in four overs, which occurred during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 IPL. Beyond that, he had given away 54 runs in four overs in matches during the 2023 and 2025 seasons, 51 runs in four overs in 2024, and 50 runs in three overs in the most recent IPL edition. These instances, though notable, were minor compared to the unprecedented 59-run haul he experienced against Birmingham. Known for his incredible control and the ability to bamboozle even the most aggressive batsmen, Rashid’s rare off-day demonstrated how even elite players can have difficult moments in their careers.

The record previously held in The Hundred by other bowlers was already high but less extreme. David Visa had conceded 53 runs in an innings while taking a wicket, David Payne matched that figure with 53 runs for one wicket, Steven Finn had 51 runs for a single wicket, and Chris Wood conceded 49 runs without claiming a wicket. Rashid’s 59 runs for zero wickets surpassed all of these marks, adding an unfortunate chapter to his otherwise stellar career.

Rashid’s struggle had a significant impact on the Oval Invincibles’ performance. Despite posting a total of 180 runs for eight wickets in their 100-ball innings, they could not defend the target. Donovan Pereira shone with a quickfire 63 off 29 balls, and Jordan Cox contributed 44 off 30, setting up a competitive total. For Birmingham Phoenix, bowlers Trent Boult, Adam Milne, and Benny Howell each took two wickets, containing the Oval to a challenging yet chaseable score.

The chase, however, was dominated by Birmingham’s power hitters. Liam Livingstone was destructive, scoring 69 runs off just 27 balls, while Will Smith added 51 off 29 balls. Their combined efforts dismantled the Oval Invincibles’ total, ensuring a Birmingham win with four wickets remaining and two balls to spare. The Oval’s English pacer Shakib Mahmud did provide some resistance by taking three wickets, but it was insufficient to offset Rashid’s record-breaking but costly bowling.

This match will remain a memorable, albeit challenging, one in Rashid Khan’s career. While he has been a consistent match-winner and a terror for batsmen worldwide, The Hundred match against Birmingham Phoenix highlighted how even the best can have a day to forget. Despite the setback, Rashid’s talent and previous accomplishments continue to make him one of cricket’s most influential T20 players.