How many runs can a batsman score in the death overs? In the Indian Premier League, even the most explosive innings had long been capped at around sixty runs. In the 2020 IPL, Lokesh Rahul of Kings XI Punjab had famously scored 60 runs in the final four overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This record has now been dramatically eclipsed by Australia’s Tim David.
In yesterday’s match for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Chennai, David amassed an astonishing 68 runs in the last four overs alone.
While it is customary for batsmen to unleash their power from the 17th to the 20th over, bowlers are also at their tactical best during this period. David came to the crease in the 15th over and initially struggled, scoring just two runs from his first five balls.
However, in the 17th over, he took Nur Ahmed apart with three consecutive sixes, signalling the start of a torrential assault. In the 19th over, against Jamie Overton, he added another 30 runs, including three sixes. By the final delivery, having struck a boundary, his tally read 70 runs from 25 balls, with 68 of those coming from the death overs.
In the annals of Twenty20 cricket, only a few innings surpass such a feat:
| Year | Player | Opposition | Runs in Death Overs | Balls Faced | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Scott Styris | Gloucestershire | 73 | – | County Cricket |
| 2014 | David Miller | Dolphin Titans | 69 | – | South African Domestic |
| 2024 | Sikandar Raja | Gambia | 70 | – | Zimbabwe Domestic |
| 2025 | Tim David | Chennai | 68 | 25 | IPL |
David’s overall innings was equally impressive, featuring eight sixes and two fours. At 30, he has consistently preferred aerial shots over conventional boundaries, with his IPL career tally standing at 69 sixes to 58 fours. This season alone, he has struck nine sixes in 35 balls.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed Bangalore secure a 43-run victory, aided not only by David’s fury but also by captain Rajat Patidar, who remained unbeaten on 48 from 19 balls, including six sixes. Post-match, Patidar admitted, “If only I could hit even half as well as he does!”
Fans and commentators alike were captivated. Social media erupted in praise, and platforms such as CricBuzz likened David’s innings to a biblical confrontation: “David in name, Goliath in deeds.”