In one of the most bizarre moments in recent cricket memory, former Australia all-rounder John Hastings bowled an 18-ball over filled with extras during a World Championship of Legends (WCL) T20 match. Representing Australia Champions against Pakistan Champions at Grace Road, Leicester, Hastings delivered a spell that included 12 wides and a no-ball, conceding enough runs to hand Pakistan a comprehensive ten-wicket win. The over has already been labeled by fans and pundits as one of the worst in cricket history.
Australia had set a modest target after being bundled out for just 74 runs inside 12 overs. Pakistan, chasing the small total, reached 55 without loss when captain Brett Lee turned to Hastings to bowl the eighth over. What followed was a collapse in control that quickly turned the match into a spectacle for the wrong reasons.
Hastings began the over with five consecutive wides, struggling to find his line. Even when he managed a legal delivery, the Pakistan batters calmly collected runs. A no-ball further compounded the chaos before another flurry of wides pushed the score rapidly towards the target. Only five of the 18 balls in the over were legitimate deliveries, with the rest resulting in extras that effectively sealed Pakistan’s victory before the over even concluded.
The reaction on the field reflected the surreal nature of the moment. Brett Lee was visibly exasperated as the score raced away without Pakistan’s openers needing to take risks. Teammates attempted to console Hastings, while the Pakistan batters remained composed, almost bemused at the unfolding scene.
Saeed Ajmal’s six-wicket haul earlier in the game had already put Australia under pressure, but Hastings’ wayward over turned the match into a rout. Pakistan reached the target with more than seven overs to spare, finishing the chase without losing a wicket and cementing their dominance in the group stage of the tournament.
Fans on social media were quick to respond, flooding platforms with disbelief and humor. Memes and comments described the over as “never-ending” and compared it to some of the longest and most infamous spells in cricket history. While other bowlers have delivered high-extra overs in the past, the combination of the stakes, the number of deliveries, and Hastings’ international pedigree made this instance stand out.
For Hastings, once a key figure in Australia’s limited-overs setup, the over was an unfortunate low point in an otherwise respected career. Known for his accuracy and composure during his playing days, the loss of control in this match was stark and surprising.
Despite the personal disappointment for Hastings, the incident has added a unique chapter to the WCL and has already become a talking point among cricket followers worldwide. It serves as a reminder that in cricket, even experienced professionals can have moments where nothing goes right, and small errors can quickly snowball under pressure. For now, Hastings’ 18-ball over will live on as one of the most unforgettable—and infamous—overs ever bowled.