Bowling a single over in cricket sounds simple — only six legal deliveries. But sometimes pressure, pitch conditions, or simply an off day can turn a normal over into a nightmare. In international cricket, a few bowlers have ended up bowling extra-long overs filled with wides and no-balls, creating some unforgettable moments.
Recently, Arshdeep Singh’s 13-ball over against South Africa has again brought this rare and unwanted record into discussion. Below is a complete, updated look at the highest wide balls and longest overs in international cricket.
A Rare Sight: When an Over Refuses to End
Most bowlers finish an over quickly, but sometimes everything goes wrong. A bowler may lose control, overstep, or bowl far outside the tramline leading to wides and no-balls.
These extra deliveries stretch the over much longer than usual and give the batting team free runs. Across formats, only a handful of bowlers have bowled these unusually long overs, and each incident is remembered for years.
Arshdeep Singh 13-Ball Over Creates Buzz
In the 2nd T20I vs South Africa at New Chandigarh (2025), Arshdeep Singh delivered one of the longest overs in T20I history by a full-member nation.
- The over went for 13 balls
- He bowled 7 wides
- He conceded 18 runs
- He matched the record held by Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq
The pressure mounted after Quinton de Kock smashed the first ball for six. Trying to bowl wider lines, Arshdeep lost rhythm and ended up giving away repeated wides, leaving fans and the Indian dugout stunned.
This over has now become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 season.
Like to know? Top 10 Most Dangerous Batsman in Women’s Cricket
Top Records: Longest Overs & Highest Wides in International Cricket
The following table lists the longest overs involving wides and no-balls in international cricket, as per the incidents referenced in your content:
Longest Overs in International Cricket (With Highest Wides)
| Bowler | Balls in Over | Wides Bowled | Format | Opposition / Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bert Vance (NZ) | 22 | Multiple wides & no-balls | Domestic First-Class | Canterbury (NZ) | 1989–90 |
| Mohammad Sami (PAK) | 17 | 7 wides + 4 no-balls | ODI (Asia Cup) | Bangladesh | 2004 |
| Curtly Ambrose (WI) | 15 | 9 no-balls | Test | Australia, Perth | 1997 |
| Scott Boswell (ENG) | 14 | Several wides/no-balls | C&G Trophy Final | Somerset | 2001 |
| Daryl Tuffey (NZ) | 14 | Multiple wides | ODI vs Australia | 2005 | |
| Arshdeep Singh (IND) | 13 | 7 wides | T20I | South Africa, New Chandigarh | 2025 |
| Naveen-ul-Haq (AFG) | 13 | Wides + extras | T20I | Zimbabwe, Harare | 2024 |
| Sisanda Magala (SA) | 12 | Several wides | T20I | Pakistan | 2021 |
Note: Bert Vance’s 22-ball over remains the longest in history (domestic cricket), while Sami’s 17-ball over is the longest in international cricket across formats.
Arshdeep Equals Naveen-ul-Haq’s T20I Record
In T20 Internationals among full-member nations:
- Most Balls in an Over (T20I): 13
- Record Holders:
- Arshdeep Singh (India) – 2025
- Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan) – 2024
Arshdeep seven wides now place him among the bowlers with the highest wides in one international over.
Why Such Overs Happen?
These unusually long overs often occur due to:
1. Pressure from a Set Batsman
Big hits early in the over can cause panic.
2. Loss of Rhythm
Fast bowlers especially struggle to regain control once they lose their run-up timing.
3. Trying Too Hard
Attempting wide yorkers or surprise variations leads to wides if execution fails.
4. Pitch or Weather Conditions
Slippery outfields or dew can affect grip and release.
Impact of These Overs on the Match
Such overs can completely shift momentum:
- Batting teams get free runs
- Bowlers lose confidence
- Captains are forced to change plans
- Crowd energy swings immediately
Arshdeep over against South Africa is a perfect example — it helped South Africa push their scoring rate and visibly frustrated the Indian camp.
Read more: Top 10 Most Dangerous Bowlers in World
Conclusion
The history of cricket has seen just a handful of overs filled with wides and no-balls, and each one becomes a memorable part of cricketing folklore. Arshdeep Singh 13-ball over is now officially included in this rare list, joining the likes of Mohammad Sami, Curtly Ambrose, and Naveen-ul-Haq.
While such moments are tough for the bowler, they also remind fans of how unpredictable and dramatic cricket can be.
