When Darius Visser decided to take up his mum’s heritage and enlist as a Samoan cricketer, little did he realize it would lead to him becoming a world beater. The 28-year-old from Sydney wrote his way into the ICC record books on Tuesday when he belted 39 runs in one over for Samoa in a T20 World Cup qualifying win over Vanuatu at Apia’s Garden Oval No.2. This incredible feat beat by three runs the previous record held by Indian Yuvraj Singh, who famously thrashed six sixes off Englishman Stuart Broad at Kingsmead in Durban on September 19, 2007.
The unfortunate bowler to relieve Broad of one of the world’s unwanted records is Nalin Nipiko. It was an over to forget for the right-armer, who also bowled three no balls, with the ball having to be recovered from outside the ground more than once. Allrounder Visser is a former Penrith junior representative who went on to represent the University of Sydney and St George in Sydney grade cricket. Visser began his junior days as a fast bowler and No.11 batsman but worked on his repertoire to eventually become a leg-spinner and middle-order bat.
Visser has so far starred in the ICC qualifying tournament where Samoa, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, and Fiji are competing in the Sub Regional East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers. In Samoa’s opening match against Fiji, Visser claimed 4-11 and made an unbeaten 30 to claim the man-of-the-match award in a nine-wicket win. On Tuesday, he struck 132 off 62 balls in an innings that included 14 sixes and five fours, and took 1-29 in the 10-run victory. His mum Lima and dad Gerald were at the venue when he attained the record.
„We are all so proud of him,“ said Lima Visser. „The entire family has been following his progress and is pretty excited. We will celebrate hard and savor the moment.“
The record-breaking moment for Visser has now etched his name in cricket history. The list of most runs in an over now includes his name at the top with 39 runs against his name. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and skill as a cricketer. The future looks bright for Darius Visser as he continues to make waves in the cricketing world.
In conclusion, Darius Visser’s journey from a young cricketer in Sydney to a world record holder for most runs in an over is a remarkable story of perseverance and talent. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world. As he continues to shine on the cricket field, there is no doubt that Darius Visser will leave a lasting legacy in the sport.