Most runs in an over in tests

Who holds the record for the most runs in an over in tests? Prepare to be shocked as it's none other than India's pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, with a 35-run blitz! Join us to explore this historic feat and others who follow.

Snigdha HalderJune 7, 2025 at 11:20 AM3 min read
Most runs in an over in tests
Who holds the record for the most runs in an over in tests? Prepare to be shocked as it's none other than India's pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, with a 35-run blitz! Join us to explore this historic feat and others who follow.

In test cricket, we often expect batters to dominate the scoring. But what if the biggest surprise came from a bowler? We're talking about the incredible feat of Jasprit Bumrah, who broke all the previous records for most runs in an over in tests.

Dive into this list of players who shaped this record for most runs in an over in tests.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (35 runs) | India

Jasprit Bumrah has scored the most runs in an over in tests | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah representing India in tests. Image | Mint 
  • The over: 4, WD, 4, NB, 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 1
  • Opposition: England

The current undisputed king of the "most runs in an over" record in test cricket is Jasprit Bumrah. He came out as an unlikely record-breaker and stunned everyone.

In July 2022, facing Stuart Board in England, Bumrah, who was captaining the side, smashed 35 runs in a single over.

The over included fours, a massive six off a no-ball, a wide, and even boundary off a bye, totalling 35 runs. Of these, 29 runs came off his bat directly.

2. Brian Lara (28 runs) | West Indies

Brian Lara is a record-holder for most runs in an over in tests | sportzpoint.com
Brian Lara representing West Indies in tests. Image | TOI
  • The over: 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4
  • Opposition: South Africa

The West Indies batting legend, Brian Lara, was the first to achieve this milestone of scoring 28 runs in a single over, which is the second-highest score.

In December 2003, facing South African left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, he showcased his destructive power with a combination of fours and sixes.

Lara's ability to dominate even the best bowlers was a hallmark of his career.

3. George Bailey (28 runs) | Australia

George Bailey is one of the record-holder for most runs in an over in tests | sportzpoint.com
George Bailey representing Australia in tests. Image | TOI
  • The over: 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6
  • Opposition: England

A decade later, in December 2013, Australia's George Bailey equaled Lara's record during an Ashes Test against England in Perth.

Bailey hit 3 sixes and 2 boundaries, along with a quick two runs, to score 28 runs in an over facing England's pacer, James Anderson.

4. Keshav Maharaj (28 runs) | South Africa

Keshav Maharaj is one of the record-holder for the most runs in an over in tests | sportzpoint.com
Keshav Maharaj representing South Africa in tests. Image | Facebook
  • The over: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, b4
  • Opposition: England

Adding to the list is another surprising knock of South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who joined the list for most runs in an over in tests by scoring 28 runs off an over.

In January 2020, he took on England captain and part-time spinner Joe Root, in a match played in Port Elizabeth.

Other players with 25+ runs in an over in tests:

Player Runs Team Opposition Bowler Season

Shahid Afridi

(666621)

27 Pakistan India Harbhajan Singh 2005-06

Harry Brook

(644463)

27 England Pakistan Zahid Mahmood 2022-23

Craig McMillan

(444464)

26 New Zealand Pakistan Younis Khan 2000-01

Brian Lara

(406664)

26 West Indies Pakistan Danish Kaneria 2006-07

Mitchell Johnson

(446066)

26 Australia South Africa Paul Harris 2008-09

Brendon McCullum

(466046)

26 New Zealand Sri Lanka Suranga Lakmal 2014-15

Hardik Pandya

(446660)

26 India Sri Lanka Malinda Pushpakumara 2017

Snigdha Halder

Snigdha is an intern at Sportzpoint who is passionate about cricket. Snigdha dedicatedly enjoys the game and staying on top of all news.

View Profile