Boundary Off Every Ball of an Over: First-Ever Record in International T20

In the age of aggressive cricket, record-breaking feats have become almost routine. While hitting six sixes in an over has been witnessed several times in international T20 cricket, a new milestone has been achieved: hitting a boundary off each of the six balls in an over. This historic feat was accomplished by Zimbabwean batsman Brian Bennett during the Africa Regional T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

The record-setting performance took place in Harare, where Zimbabwe faced Kenya in a qualifying match. Chasing Kenya’s total of 123 runs, the Rhodesians secured a comprehensive 7-wicket victory. On their way to victory, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett scored 51 runs off just 25 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes, earning the Player of the Match award.

Bennett’s landmark moment came during Kenya’s fourth over, bowled by left-arm pacer Lucas Oluche, when he struck four consecutive boundaries off all six balls. After conceding 24 runs in that over, Oluche was not given another over in the match.

Bennett, 21 years old, has etched his name into cricketing history. This is the first time in international T20 cricket that a batsman has hit a boundary off all six balls of a single over. In addition, Bennett reached his ninth T20 international fifty in this innings.

Partnering with fellow opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, Bennett shared an opening stand of 72 runs in just 6.2 overs before being dismissed. After Bennett’s departure, Marumani added 39 runs, helping Zimbabwe secure a dominant victory with 5 overs to spare.

This win ensured that Zimbabwe became the second African nation to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, following Namibia, who had already secured qualification. Although traditionally a Test-playing nation, Zimbabwe had missed the last T20 World Cup, failing to progress through the qualifiers at that time.

With Zimbabwe now qualified, 17 of the 20 teams for the upcoming T20 World Cup have been determined. The remaining three spots will be contested in the Asia-Pacific Qualifiers, which will be held in Oman from 8 October. Competing nations include Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Samoa, and the United Arab Emirates.

The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February, where these qualified teams will join the already confirmed participants.

Key Match Statistics

This extraordinary performance by Brian Bennett will be remembered as a world-first record in international T20 cricket, showcasing Zimbabwe’s growing prowess in the shorter format of the game.