Did Khaleel Ahmed Just Bowl the Third-Most Expensive Over in IPL History?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Khaleel Ahmed set a record for the most expensive over in IPL 2025.
- The over included four sixes and two fours.
- It tied with Parwinder Awana's infamous record.
- RCB reached a total of 213 runs largely due to this over.
- This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
Bengaluru, May 3 (NationPress) - Chennai Super Kings pacer Khaleel Ahmed etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history on Saturday when he surrendered a staggering 33 runs in a single over against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This performance not only marked the most expensive over in IPL 2025 but also tied it as the third-costliest over recorded in the tournament's legacy.
The calamity unfolded during the 19th over of RCB's innings when Romario Shepherd was at the crease, unleashing chaos upon the CSK bowlers. With Khaleel Ahmed responsible for containing the explosive Shepherd, he instead faced a barrage of fierce strokes. Shepherd belted four sixes and two fours, transforming Khaleel’s over into a nightmare. To exacerbate the situation, Khaleel also bowled a no-ball, further compounding the damage.
This over’s total of 33 runs matched an infamous record previously set by Parwinder Awana, who had also conceded 33 runs in an over while playing for Kings XI Punjab against Chennai Super Kings. However, Khaleel’s performance only ranks as the joint third-most expensive in IPL history.
The dubious record for the most expensive over in IPL is held by P. Parameswaran, who shockingly gave away 37 runs while playing for Kochi Tuskers Kerala against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
For Khaleel, this costly over will certainly be a moment he wishes to erase, especially as RCB’s total surged to an imposing 213 runs, largely due to his over. While RCB soared, this over encapsulated CSK's struggles with their bowling during the critical death overs.
Shepherd launched a six over deep midwicket, followed by a massive hit over long-on, and then sent a slower ball over short third. He continued to punish the bowling, smacking a full delivery over long-on, clobbering a short-of-length no-ball over deep extra cover, concluding the over with a swipe over short fine-leg.
The crowd in Bengaluru erupted with excitement as Shepherd single-handedly shifted the game’s momentum, transforming a dull phase into an electrifying display. Khaleel’s 33-run over drastically altered the balance, propelling RCB to a formidable score and sending the audience into a frenzy.