In what could be the best all-round performance in T20 history, Krishnappa Gowtham scored a 56-ball 134 and then followed it up with 8/15 with the ball. While playing for Bellary Tuskers against Shivamogga Lions in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) 2019, Gowtham achieved these feats.
But he has not broken any records since state T20 leagues are not given an official T20 status. They are categorized as ‘Other T20s’.
Gowtham might not have officially broken any all-time T20 records, but he has broken all KPL records in one go. His unbeaten 134 is the highest score in the KPL. His century, which came off 39 balls, is the fastest in the ongoing tournament. Also, his 13 sixes in the innings are the highest by any batsman in a KPL game.
His 8/15, which incidentally included a hat-trick, is also the best ever bowling figures in the KPL history.
Dear @rajasthanroyals, if you haven't thought of retaining players next season yet, helping you with that 😄 https://t.co/hfB77GFLrU
— Namma KPL (@KPLKSCA) August 23, 2019
Fifth record broken – @gowthamyadav88 with his 8/15 now has the best bowling figures ever in #KPL. #BTvSL #KPL8 #NammaKPL #KPLNoduGuru pic.twitter.com/VfGyg25TAb
— Namma KPL (@KPLKSCA) August 23, 2019
Speaking after his side’s 70-run victory, Gowtham said, “I don’t think I expected this, nor did anyone else out here. Thanks to everyone who turned up and supported us.”
On being asked which he enjoyed more, batting or bowling, he replied, “Well, I enjoyed my girlfriend’s smile.”
134* in a T20 game is excellent.
8 wickets in 4 overs is extraordinary. K Gowtham has done both in one game. That’s unreal. 😱 #KPL— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 23, 2019
I just witnessed K GOWTHAM making 134no with 13 x 6’s and then took 8/15… greatest bowling figures in T20 history! #ManoftheMatch
WOW!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻@KPLKSCA— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) August 23, 2019
Unbelievable, Deano
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) August 23, 2019
