Pakistani left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has etched his name into the history books once again, breaking the record for the most maidens bowled by a pacer in Twenty20 (T20) internationals. Representing the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Amir achieved this remarkable feat during a fixture against the Barbados Royals on Thursday.
Amir’s precision and bowling mastery were on full display as he bowled a maiden over to the dangerous Rakheem Cornwall in the opening over of the Royals’ innings. Cornwall, known for his explosive batting, was left with no answer to Amir’s disciplined line and length, managing only a leg-bye off the last ball of the over. With this maiden, Amir’s tally in T20 cricket reached 25, surpassing India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who previously held the record for pacers with 24 maidens.
A Stellar Career Milestone
This milestone solidifies Amir’s place as one of the finest bowlers in the shortest format of the game. Known for his exceptional ability to swing the ball and maintain tight lines, Amir has been a key figure in T20 leagues around the world, making an impact both with early breakthroughs and miserly spells. His record-breaking performance adds another feather to his illustrious cap, coming on the back of several notable achievements throughout his T20 career.
Amir now stands third on the overall list of most maidens bowled in T20s, with only Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (26 maidens) and West Indies’ Sunil Narine (30 maidens) ahead of him. However, Amir is the leading pacer on the list, surpassing all other fast bowlers in the format.
Pakistani Pacers Dominating the T20 Arena
Amir’s achievement comes at a time when Pakistani pacers have been making waves in T20 cricket. Earlier this year, Shaheen Shah Afridi made headlines by surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record for the most first-over wickets in T20s. Afridi reached this milestone during the first T20I of Pakistan’s series against New Zealand, further cementing Pakistan’s reputation for producing world-class fast bowlers.
Both Afridi and Amir have been instrumental in Pakistan’s success across formats, with their ability to take early wickets and restrict opponents with disciplined bowling. Amir’s record, in particular, highlights his longevity and adaptability in T20 cricket, a format where the margin for error is often minimal.
A Legacy of Fast-Bowling Greatness
Amir’s record-breaking performance in the CPL adds to his impressive resume, which includes several match-winning spells for Pakistan and franchises around the globe. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues, where his experience and skill continue to make a significant impact.
Reflecting on the achievement, Amir expressed his pride in breaking the record, dedicating the milestone to his fans and supporters. "It’s always a special feeling to set records, but it’s the hard work and support from my teammates and fans that makes moments like this possible,” Amir said after the match.
Current Standings for Most Maidens in T20s
- Sunil Narine (West Indies) – 30 maidens
- Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 26 maidens
- Mohammad Amir (Pakistan) – 25 maidens
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) – 24 maidens
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 21 maidens
Amir’s record-breaking maiden in the CPL is yet another reminder of his world-class abilities and determination to continue making an impact at the highest level. As he inches closer to the likes of Shakib and Narine in the overall standings, it will be exciting to see if Amir can further extend his record in the future.
With both Amir and Afridi continuing to dominate T20 cricket, Pakistan’s legacy of producing exceptional fast bowlers seems as strong as ever. As Amir gears up for more matches in the CPL, fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can add even more maidens to his tally, possibly taking him to the top of the list of all-time greats in T20 cricket.
