Indonesian Pacer Creates History With Five Wickets

Indonesian fast bowler Gede Priandana has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by producing a spell unlike anything previously seen in international T20 cricket. In a remarkable display of pace, precision and nerve, Priandana claimed five wickets in a single over against Cambodia, setting a world record that has never before been achieved by any male or female cricketer at the international level.

The historic moment unfolded on Tuesday, 23 December, in Bali, during the opening match of the bilateral T20 series between Indonesia and Cambodia. Chasing a challenging target of 168 runs, Cambodia appeared to be mounting a respectable pursuit. After 15 overs, they had reached 106 for 5, still mathematically within reach of the target and harbouring hopes of a late surge.

Those hopes were emphatically extinguished in the 16th over. Entrusted with the ball at a critical juncture, Priandana delivered a spell that stunned players, spectators and statisticians alike. He dismissed three batters in his first three deliveries to complete a sensational hat-trick, before striking again with the fourth and fifth balls of the over. By the end of the over, five Cambodian batters had been sent back to the pavilion for the addition of just one run. The extraordinary burst completely dismantled the chase and sealed a commanding 60-run victory for Indonesia.

Before his heroics with the ball, Priandana had also contributed modestly with the bat. Opening the innings, he scored 6 runs from 11 deliveries, helping to set the platform for a competitive total. The standout performance with the bat, however, came from wicketkeeper-batter Dharma Kusuma, who played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 110 from 68 balls. His fluent stroke-play and calm presence at the crease proved instrumental in propelling Indonesia to a formidable score.

While this achievement is unprecedented in international T20 cricket, there have been two previous instances of five wickets in an over in recognised domestic or franchise T20 competitions. Bangladesh’s Al-Amin Hossain accomplished the feat during the 2013–14 season, followed by India’s Abhimanyu Mithun in the 2019–20 season. However, Priandana’s performance stands alone on the global stage.

For context, taking four wickets in a single over has occurred only 14 times in international T20 history. The most iconic example remains Lasith Malinga’s unforgettable four wickets in four consecutive balls against New Zealand in 2019. Priandana has now surpassed even that legendary moment.

This landmark performance not only elevates Priandana’s career but also signals a significant milestone for Indonesian cricket, showcasing the nation’s growing presence on the international stage.

Match Highlights at a Glance