WATCH - Salem Spartan captain Abhishek Tanwar bowls most expensive final delivery in T20 history during TNPL 2023 match 

Abhishek Tanwar (Source: Twitter)

Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023 witnessed an embarrassing record during the match between Salem Spartans and Chepauk Super Gillies at SNR College Cricket Ground, Coimbatore on Tuesday (June 13). The final ball of the first innings bowled by Spartans skipper Abhishek Tanwar went for a staggering 18 runs, making it one of the most expensive deliveries ever bowled in T20 cricket history.

Tanwar decided to wrap things up and conceded just 8 runs off the first five balls. But his nightmare began when he dismissed Uthirasamy Sasidev on the fifth ball of the 20th over. Just as the Spartans began to celebrate the wicket, the umpire indicated a no-ball, resulting in a free-hit and dramatic scenes unfolded.

Shashidev took a single on the free-hit ball and unfortunately, the next ball was also a no-ball. Another free-hit delivery and this time Sanjay smashed it into the stands for huge maximum. Tanwar made the same error and produced another no-ball, giving Yadav two more runs and allowing the all-rounder to keep the strike. The next delivery was also illegal, but this time a wide ball, and he finally finished his quota of four overs, but ended up with another six.

Watch the video of the most expensive final delivery in T20 history below:

The most expensive final delivery in history - 18 runs from the last ball of the 20th over. pic.twitter.com/rf8b0wMhOw

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 13, 2023

Tanwar’s last over helped Super Gillies to cross the 200-run mark and set a mammoth target of 217 runs. However, right-arm pacer was able to escape setting the record for the most costly ball delivered in cricket history. The humiliating record is held by Clint McKay who gave away 20 runs in one ball during 2012/13 Big Bash League match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars.

Chasing 218 was too much for the Salem Spartans, who finished with only 165 runs. Super Gillies registered a stunning 52-run victory to start their TNPL 2023 campaign with a bang.

Speaking after the match, Tanwar said it was disappointing to concede four no balls as a senior bowler. "I have to take the blame for the last over - four no-balls being a senior bowler was disappointing," he said.