Plunket Shield: Brett Randell Claims Historic Five Wickets in Five Balls
NAPIER, New Zealand – Central Districts seamer Brett Randell has rewritten the first-class cricket record books, becoming the first player in history to claim five wickets in five consecutive deliveries. The 30-year-old achieved the feat during a Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts at McLean Park, finishing with career-best figures of 7 for 25.
The Record-Breaking Sequence
The historic burst occurred across two separate overs early in the Northern Districts innings. Randell initiated the sequence on the final delivery of his second over and completed the demolition in his subsequent over. This performance surpasses the standard double hat-trick (four wickets in four balls) previously seen in professional formats.
Randell’s five-ball destruction unfolded as follows:
| Ball Sequence | Batsman | Dismissal Type |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2.6 | Henry Cooper | Bowled |
| Over 4.1 | Jeet Raval | Dismissed (Caught/Bowled) |
| Over 4.2 | [Middle Order Batter] | Dismissed |
| Over 4.3 | [Middle Order Batter] | Dismissed |
| Over 4.4 | Kristian Clarke | Bowled |
Match Context: Central Districts vs Northern Districts
The spell proved decisive in the outcome of the innings. After Central Districts posted a commanding 373 runs in their first innings, Randell’s bowling decimated the Northern Districts lineup. The opposition crumbled to just 82 all out, trailing by a significant margin.
Key match statistics include:
- Brett Randell Figures: 7 wickets for 25 runs
- Northern Districts Total: 82 All Out
- First Innings Lead: 291 runs for Central Districts
- Venue: McLean Park, Napier
Historical Significance
According to data from the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, this is the first recorded instance of a bowler taking five wickets in five consecutive balls in first-class cricket since records began in 1772. While bowlers have taken five wickets in a single over previously (often involving dot balls), the consecutive nature of Randell’s wickets sets a new benchmark.
In the T20 format, Ireland international Curtis Campher achieved four wickets in four balls during the T20 World Cup, and other bowlers have recorded double hat-tricks. However, Randell’s achievement stands alone in the multi-day format longevity.
For official match scorecards and upcoming fixtures, visit the New Zealand Cricket official website or check detailed statistics on ESPN Cricinfo.