Former Australia all-rounder John Hastings sent social media into a frenzy after bowling a bizarre 18-ball over during a World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against the Pakistan Champions on Tuesday. Chasing 75 for the win, Pakistan were cruising at 55/0 when Hastings was brought into the attack. In total, Hastings bowled 12 wides and one no-ball. In fact, he couldn’t complete his over as Pakistan won the game after the fifth legal ball, What followed was one of the longest overs in recorded cricket history. Hastings started with five wide deliveries, all well outside the off-stump to right-hander Sohaib Maqsood.
After a change in strike, Sharjeel Khan put the next ball away for a boundary. Hastings followed with a no-ball and a wide bouncer outside the leg-stump, before a leg-bye changed the strike once again.
Desperation took over as he changed angles again, only to fire more deliveries far from the stumps. In total, the over included 12 wides and one no-ball, and was never even completed, as Pakistan reached the target before it ended.
Pakistan will now take on India in the semi-final on Thursday, while Australia will also face South Africa for a place in the final. Earlier, the India-Pakistan league stage clash was officially called off, following strong objections from Indian players and a principal tournament sponsor in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which escalated military tensions between both nations.
Earlier, Pakistan had bundled out Australia for just 74 in 11.5 overs after electing to field.
Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan removed the openers before Saeed Ajmal ran through the middle and lower order with an outstanding spell of 3.5-0-16-6. Imad Wasim provided able support with 2-11 in three overs.
Australia’s innings never really took off. Ben Dunk (26) and Callum Ferguson (10) were the only batters to reach double figures. Such was the collapse that Australia lost their last eight wickets for just 25 runs in 39 balls.
In the second innings, John Hastings, who had come on as a substitute for Chris Lynn, was handed the ball when Pakistan needed only 20 runs in seven overs.
But the over turned into a comedy of errors, including five consecutive wides to start and three more later after he tried switching to round the wicket.
The over ended with Pakistan comfortably reaching the target.
Hastings’ outing was best summed up by the numbers: 18 balls, 12 wides, 1 no-ball, and just 5 legal deliveries.
