Cricket is often called a game of glorious uncertainties, and every now and then, it produces moments that etch themselves into the sport’s rich history. One such unforgettable
Cricket is often called a game of glorious uncertainties, and every now and then, it produces moments that etch themselves into the sport’s rich history. One such unforgettable moment came in the ECS T10 League, when Afghanistan’s explosive batter Usman Ghani delivered a record-breaking performance, scoring an unbelievable 45 runs in a single over—a feat never before seen in professional cricket.
On August 1, during a match in the ongoing ECS T10 League England, the cricketing world witnessed something truly remarkable. The match was between London County Cricket Club and Guildford, two teams battling it out on English soil. Opening the innings for London County, Usman Ghani took the field with aggression in his eyes and fire in his bat.
Facing bowler Will Ernie from Guildford, Ghani unleashed an all-out assault in one over that will be remembered for years to come. The over included:
In total, 45 runs came off that over. Of these, 42 runs were scored by Ghani himself through boundaries and sixes, while 3 runs came from extras (2 no balls and 1 wide). This extraordinary feat not only shocked fans but also set a new benchmark in professional cricket. No batsman in the history of top-level cricket had ever scored so many runs in one legal over.
The over immediately became the costliest over ever bowled in any professional cricket match. In a format known for explosive batting and high scoring, even the ECS T10 League had never seen an over like this.
Ghani didn’t stop at just one record-breaking over. The Afghan batsman continued his onslaught and ended up scoring an unbeaten 153 runs off just 43 balls, boasting a staggering strike rate of 355.81. His innings included 11 fours and 17 sixes, showing his ability to find boundaries at will.
Partnering with him was Ismail Bahrami, who also played a destructive innings. Bahrami smashed 61 runs off 19 balls, and the duo built an unbeaten partnership that helped London County Cricket Club post a mammoth 226/0 in just 10 overs.
This is not just a big score for the ECS T10 League, but one of the highest totals recorded in any T10 format. The sheer dominance of the two batsmen left the opposition clueless and helpless on the field.
In reply, Guildford never looked comfortable chasing such a huge target. Their batters failed to build partnerships or match the required run rate. Despite trying to stay in the hunt, they could only manage 155 runs, falling short by 71 runs. Not a single Guildford player reached the half-century mark, underlining how one-sided the contest had become after Ghani’s blistering knock.
London County’s victory was not just comprehensive but also a loud announcement of their dominance in this season of the ECS T10 League. It also reinforced Usman Ghani’s reputation as one of the most explosive batters in the shortest format of the game.
Usman Ghani, 29, is no stranger to international cricket. Representing Afghanistan, he has played 17 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 T20 Internationals for his country. Ghani made his international debut back in 2014 and was seen as one of the rising stars of Afghanistan cricket.
However, Ghani’s international career hit a rough patch due to controversy. In 2023, he accused the Afghanistan Cricket Board of corruption and questioned the transparency of player selection. Following his public allegations, Ghani took a break from international cricket, stating that he would only return when there is “honest management and a fair selection committee.”
While Ghani may have distanced himself from the Afghan national team, his recent performance in the ECS T10 League proves that he still has the fire and fitness to compete at the highest level. The innings not only rejuvenated his profile but also sent a clear message to selectors across the globe.
The ECS T10 League is known for promoting emerging talent and giving players from across Europe and beyond a platform to showcase their skills. However, performances like Ghani’s bring the tournament into the global spotlight. With cricket fans always hungry for exciting, fast-paced action, the ECS T10 League has carved a niche for itself, and moments like this enhance its reputation further.
The league’s compact format ensures thrilling finishes, big hits, and high-intensity cricket in a short time. Ghani’s 45-run over might now become a defining moment of the league’s history and could set a new standard for explosive batting in T10 competitions worldwide.
With a career-best knock under his belt, and records tumbling in the ECS T10 League, many fans and analysts are wondering whether Usman Ghani will make a return to international cricket. Given his current form and clear statement on the issues within his national board, his future remains uncertain but intriguing.
If managed properly, Ghani could be a valuable asset not just in domestic leagues but also for any T20 franchise across the globe. He has the experience, the temperament, and now a world record to his name, all of which make him a potential signing for T20 leagues in India, UAE, Australia, and beyond.
Cricket fans who witnessed Ghani’s knock will remember this game as a turning point in the ECS T10 League. Scoring 45 runs in a single over is not just a record—it’s a statement of power, timing, and fearless intent. Usman Ghani’s innings will inspire young batters, entertain fans, and forever remain etched in the league’s archives.
As we await more thrilling moments from the ECS T10 League, one thing is certain—Usman Ghani has raised the bar, and the world is watching.
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The ECS T10 League is a European cricket tournament featuring a fast-paced, 10-over format. It provides a platform for emerging talent and international players to showcase their skills in a high-energy format.
Usman Ghani is a professional cricketer from Afghanistan who has represented the national team in 17 ODIs and 35 T20Is. He is known for his explosive batting and made his international debut in 2014.
Usman Ghani created a world record by scoring 45 runs in a single over during a match between London County Cricket Club and Guildford in the ECS T10 League England on August 1, 2025.
The over included boundaries, sixes, two no-balls, and a wide, resulting in a total of 45 runs—42 scored by Ghani and 3 extras.
Yes, 45 runs is the highest ever total in a single over in professional cricket history.
