DUBLIN( The COW News Digital)Ireland’s rising all-rounder Curtis Campher etched his name into cricketing history by achieving a rare and sensational feat — taking 5 wickets in 5 consecutive deliveries during the Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy match between Munster Reds and North West Warriors.
Playing for the Munster Reds, Campher delivered an incredible bowling spell, claiming 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 2.3 overs, dismantling the Warriors’ middle and lower order in a flash. His record-breaking performance came as the Reds defended a target of 189, bowling out the opposition for a mere 88 runs.
The carnage began in the 12th over when Campher took two wickets on the final two balls, setting up the chance for a hat-trick. Coming back for his next over, he completed the hat-trick with the first ball — then astonishingly dismissed two more batters on the next two deliveries, completing 5 wickets in 5 balls, a record in professional T20 cricket.
Speaking after the match, Campher expressed surprise and humility:
“I was a bit confused because of the over break — I didn’t realize I was on a hat-trick. But I focused on staying calm and stuck to my routine. Luckily, everything worked out perfectly.”
When asked whether he could have claimed 6 wickets in 6 balls if another batter had come, he smiled and said:
“I don’t think so — I’m just happy with the five!”
This was only Campher’s second match since returning from an injury that had ruled him out of the recent ODI and T20 series against the West Indies. In his comeback match, he scored 57 runs off 35 balls but didn’t bowl. Today’s spell confirmed his full return to form and reminded selectors of his match-winning capabilities.
For his heroics, Curtis Campher was named Player of the Match. His performance not only turned the game around but also placed him among the elite few who have produced such miraculous bowling feats in cricket’s shortest format.
