Arshdeep Singh Matches Record for Costliest First Over in T20I by an Indian
In an exciting encounter between India and New Zealand, held on January 23, 2026, in Raipur, Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh faced a challenging start in the second T20I. He conceded a staggering 18 runs in his very first over, shared the record for the costliest first over bowled by an Indian in T20 internationals.
Arshdeep Singh’s Costly First Over
During the match at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Arshdeep Singh was targeted by New Zealand’s Devon Conway. The left-handed opener struck three boundaries and one six, capitalizing on Arshdeep’s opening over. This performance not only shocked spectators but also matched a record previously set by Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar against Ireland on June 28, 2022.
Comparison of Costliest First Overs in T20I
- Arshdeep Singh: 18 runs vs. New Zealand, January 23, 2026.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 18 runs vs. Ireland, June 28, 2022.
Despite this tough beginning, Arshdeep returned to bowl the third over in the same match, again conceding another 18 runs. This relentless onslaught from the New Zealand batsmen, including four consecutive boundaries hit by Tim Seifert, underscored the pressure on the young bowler.
World Records in First Overs
While Arshdeep’s performance was notable, the world record for the most runs conceded in a first over of a T20I belongs to Serbian bowler Vukasin Zimonjic. He was hit for 22 runs in a T20I match on August 31, 2025, against Hungary, showcasing the potential for explosive scoring in early overs.
Additionally, Switzerland’s Ashwin Vinod and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan both recorded 28 runs conceded in a first over during their respective matches, highlighting the dramatic incidents that can occur in T20 cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Arshdeep Singh had a record-tying performance with 18 runs in a first over.
- Devon Conway was the standout batsman, scoring heavily off Arshdeep.
- World records emphasize the unpredictability of T20 cricket, especially in the opening overs.
In T20 cricket, momentum can shift quickly, and bowlers often face intense scrutiny from powerful batting line-ups. Arshdeep Singh will look to bounce back in upcoming matches as India continues its tour against New Zealand.
