In the format known for patience and strategy, few moments are as thrilling as witnessing a batter smash multiple boundaries in one over. Yes, we’re talking about the Most runs off one over in Tests a rare event that instantly becomes history. Though Test cricket is usually slow-paced, these record-breaking overs have given fans electrifying moments to remember.
List of Top 10 Most Runs Off One Over in Tests
10. Brendon McCullum – 26 Runs (New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2014-15)
In the Boxing Day Test at Christchurch, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum played a blazing knock against Sri Lanka in 2014. Facing fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, McCullum scored 26 runs in one over with fearless strokes 4, 6, 6, 0, 4, 6. This aggressive over was a part of his record-breaking 134 off just 74 balls.
McCullum’s powerful hitting made the crowd go wild, and this over became one of the early sparks of his modern attacking legacy.
This over marked a thrilling moment in the Most runs off one over in Tests history.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Brendon McCullum | Suranga Lakmal | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka |
9. Mitchell Johnson – 26 Runs (Australia vs South Africa, 2008-09)
Known primarily as a fearsome left-arm fast bowler, Mitchell Johnson surprised everyone with the bat during a Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2008-09. He took on left-arm spinner Paul Harris and smashed 26 runs in a single over, showing he was just as dangerous with the bat. With clean striking and aggressive intent, Johnson flipped the script and proved that lower-order batsmen could dominate in Test cricket too.
Most runs off one over in Tests list wouldn’t be complete without Johnson’s unexpected firepower.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Mitchell Johnson | Paul Harris | Australia vs South Africa |
8. Brian Lara – 26 Runs (West Indies vs Pakistan, 2006-07)
Brian Lara, one of the most elegant and explosive batters in cricket history, makes his first appearance on this list with a masterclass against Pakistan in Multan. Facing Danish Kaneria, Lara displayed aggressive strokeplay and complete control as he hit 26 runs off one over. His presence on this list twice is a testament to his dominance and genius.
This over stands as a brilliant example of the Most runs off one over in Tests by a legendary batter.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Brian Lara | Danish Kaneria | West Indies vs Pakistan |
7. Craig McMillan – 26 Runs (New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2000-01)
In a 2000-01 Test in Hamilton, New Zealand’s aggressive middle-order batter Craig McMillan went after an unlikely bowler – Younis Khan. In just six balls, McMillan tore into the part-time bowler, scoring 26 runs with ruthless hitting. This over remains one of the most unexpected entries on this list due to the bowler involved.
His brutal hitting earns a proud spot in the Most runs off one over in Tests highlights.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Craig McMillan | Younis Khan | New Zealand vs Pakistan |
6. Harry Brook – 27 Runs (England vs Pakistan, 2022-23)
Young English star Harry Brook announced himself with an explosive over against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Facing leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood, Brook smashed 27 runs in a single over, playing fearlessly and stylishly. This performance marked him as a rising star in red-ball cricket.
Brook’s effort is one of the latest moments under Most runs off one over in Tests history.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Harry Brook | Zahid Mahmood | England vs Pakistan |
5. Shahid Afridi – 27 Runs (Pakistan vs India, 2005-06)
In a high-pressure Test between arch-rivals Pakistan and India in Lahore, Shahid Afridi delivered a trademark explosive knock. He smashed 27 runs off Harbhajan Singh in a single over, lifting the crowd and unsettling India’s bowling attack. Afridi’s fearless approach made this a standout over in Test history.
Afridi’s destruction added a fiery chapter to the Most runs off one over in Tests records.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Shahid Afridi | Harbhajan Singh | Pakistan vs India |
4. Keshav Maharaj – 28 Runs (South Africa vs England, 2019-20)
Another shocker came when Keshav Maharaj, primarily known as a spinner, turned the tables with the bat. Facing England’s part-time bowler Joe Root in Port Elizabeth, Maharaj scored 28 runs off the over, including boundaries to all sides of the field. It was unexpected and thrilling for everyone watching.
This astonishing feat adds a surprise flavor to the Most runs off one over in Tests narrative.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Keshav Maharaj | Joe Root | South Africa vs England |
3. George Bailey – 28 Runs (Australia vs England, 2013-14)
During the 2013-14 Ashes in Perth, Australian batter George Bailey punished England’s premier bowler James Anderson, collecting 28 runs in one over. His hitting was clean, confident, and fearless, electrifying the crowd and putting Australia firmly in command.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | George Bailey | James Anderson | Australia vs England |
2. Brian Lara – 28 Runs (West Indies vs South Africa, 2003-04)
Brian Lara appears again, this time in Johannesburg in 2003-04, against South African left-arm spinner Robin Peterson. Lara unleashed his full range, hitting 28 runs in a stunning over. With this, he stamped his class on the game yet again.
Lara’s repeated brilliance is why he dominates the list of Most runs off one over in Tests.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Brian Lara | Robin Peterson | West Indies vs SA |
1. Jasprit Bumrah – 35 Runs (India vs England, 2022)
At number one, we return to Jasprit Bumrah, whose stunning 35-run over shocked the world. As India’s stand-in captain, Bumrah walked in at a tricky time and destroyed Stuart Broad in a single over. He hit boundaries, sixes, and took advantage of extras, making it the most expensive over in Test history. This moment is iconic and unmatched in red-ball cricket.
This incredible feat will always lead the list of Most runs off one over in Tests.
| Runs | Player | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Jasprit Bumrah | Stuart Broad | India vs England |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Kings of Swing in Cricket History – Legends Who Ruled with the Ball
- Top 10 Most Centuries in Cricket among active Players
FAQ
1. Who scored the most runs in a single over in Test cricket?
Jasprit Bumrah holds the record with 35 runs against Stuart Broad in 2022.
Has any batter hit 30+ runs in one Test over before Bumrah?
No. Bumrah was the first to go beyond 30 in Tests.
Who was the first to score 28 runs in one over in a Test?
Brian Lara did it in 2003-04 against Robin Peterson.
Are these big overs common in Test matches?
No, they are very rare and surprising moments.
Has any bowler been hit more than once for 25+ runs in Tests?
Yes, but Stuart Broad’s over remains the most expensive ever.
