Sam Cook now holds the record for the most expensive set of five balls in The Hundred. He gave away 32 runs in a set of five balls on Thursday at The Oval.
The unwanted mark had belonged to Rashid Khan. Both Cook and Rashid played in the same match but for opposite teams. Rashid turned out for Oval Invincibles, while Cook played for Trent Rockets.
Cook bowled the 66th to 70th deliveries of the innings. His first ball was a wide that went for four. The second was also a wide. His first legal delivery came only on the third attempt. Sam Curran then struck a six and a four. Cook’s next ball was a no-ball, and Curran smashed it for six. As per rules, a no-ball counts for two runs. Curran then hit the free hit for six more. Cook gave away 30 runs in three balls before finishing the over with just two runs from his last two deliveries.
The previous record belonged to Rashid Khan. In 2024, while playing for Trent Rockets against Southern Brave, he conceded 30 runs in five balls.
Oval Invincibles captain Sam Billings won the toss and chose to field first. Trent Rockets put up 171/7 in their 100 balls. Joe Root scored 76 runs from 41 deliveries with 11 fours and a six.
Chasing 172, Oval Invincibles cruised to a six-wicket win with 11 balls left. Sam Curran stole the show. He scored 54 runs off 24 balls with six sixes and two fours. He was named player of the match.
Cook finished with 38 runs conceded from 15 balls and did not take a wicket.