Dominic Drakes, a 26-year-old fast bowler from the West Indies, recently made headlines for an unfortunate record during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. Known for his lineage in fast bowling—his father, Waigbert Drakes, was also a renowned fast bowler—Dominic found himself on the receiving end of an extraordinary pounding at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders (TTKR). The match marked a historic low in CPL, as he surrendered an unprecedented number of runs, forever echoing in the annals of T20 cricket.
CPL’s Most Expensive Spell
Dominic Drakes has etched his name in CPL history by delivering the most expensive bowling spell ever recorded. During his match against TTKR, he bowled four overs, allowing a staggering 77 runs without claiming a single wicket. His dismal performance included 9 fours and 5 sixes, along with 5 wides. This match has set a new benchmark for bowlers, highlighting the fine line between glory and embarrassment in cricket.
Third Most Expensive Spell in T20 History
This spell has also made its mark in the wider context of T20 cricket, ranking as the third most expensive in the entire history of the format. The record for the most runs conceded in a similar spell is held by Derbyshire’s Matt McKiernan, who gave away 82 runs. Following him is Sialkot Stallions’ Samal Anwar, who conceded 81 runs in four overs. Drakes, along with Ben Sanderson and Kash Ahmed, now shares the third position in this grim statistical category, each having leaked 77 runs in their bowling spells.
Impact of Drakes’ Bowling Performance
The repercussions of Drakes’ staggering performance contributed heavily to TTKR’s eventual score, which soared to 250 runs for the loss of only 4 wickets in 20 overs. This score is now recorded as the third-highest in CPL history and featured a whopping 17 sixes, 5 of which came from Drakes’ deliveries alone. His bowling performance not only cost him personally but also set the tone for the match.
The Aftermath: St Kitts’ Defeat
Chasing a monumental target of 251 runs, Drakes’ team, St Kitts, was unable to overcome the challenge, ultimately losing the match by 44 runs. This defeat marked St Kitts’ first setback in CPL 2024, further highlighting the importance and impact of bowling in T20 matches.
Conclusion
While Dominic Drakes may be linked with fast bowling by heritage, the pressures and stakes of T20 cricket reveal that even the most skilled players can face humbling defeats. This match serves as a reminder that in cricket, records can just as easily be shattered as they can be set, and every player must be prepared to rise from the ashes of a difficult day on the field.
