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Ackermann sets T20 record with seven-wicket haul

09 Aug 2019 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

Colin Ackermann

 

 

 

 

Leicestershire Captain Colin Ackermann set a new T20 world record with bowling figures of seven for 18 in their victory against Birmingham Bears on Wednesday.


Off-spinner Ackermann, 28, led the Foxes to a 55-run win which also boosted their quarter-final chances.


His figures surpassed the previous best of six for five in 22 balls by Somerset’s Arul Suppiah against Glamorgan in 2011.


Meanwhile, there were also wins on Wednesday for Somerset, Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire.


But the night well and truly belonged to Leicestershire’s Ackermann, whose previous best figures in the format were three for 21.


He took six of his seven wickets in two overs as Birmingham lost their last eight wickets for just 20 runs to be bowled out for 134, chasing 190 at Grace Road.


“It’s quite hard to believe, I didn’t know that the record was seven wickets,” Ackermann told BBC Radio.


“It hasn’t really sunk in yet and I think it’s the first time it’s turned here at Grace Road in 20 years, which is fantastic for the spinners. 


“It was a great all-round performance from the team to set the game up for the bowlers.”


Earlier, half-centuries from Harry Swindells (63 off 50 balls) and Lewis Hill (58 off 28) helped Leicestershire post 189-six.


Birmingham’s reply looked threatening when Adam Hose (34) and Sam Hain (61) added 91 for the third wicket. 


But when Hose fell to seamer Will Davis at 114 for three, 28 balls later the game was all over.


Victory for Leicestershire lifted them to fourth in the North Group and above Birmingham who sit a point behind and with a game in hand in sixth. (BBC)