Ireland’s Curtis Campher created history in professional cricket. He became the first male cricketer to take five wickets in five consecutive balls. He achieved this rare feat while playing for Munster Reds against North-West Warriors in the Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy. As a result, he finished with 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 2.3 overs.

Warriors Collapse After Solid Start

At first, the North-West Warriors seemed steady in their chase of 189 runs. They were 87 for 5 and still in the game. However, everything changed quickly. Campher produced magic across his second and third overs, and the Warriors collapsed to 88 all out.

The Wickets Fell One After Another

Campher’s brilliant spell began near the end of the 12th over. He bowled Jared Wilson with a sharp inswinger that hit off stump. Then, on the very next delivery, he trapped Graham Hume lbw with another inswinger. That ended the over with two wickets in two balls.

Next, Campher returned for the 14th over, now on a hat-trick. Immediately, he struck again. Andy McBrine mistimed a slog and got caught at deep midwicket.

After that, the collapse continued. Robbie Millar, batting at No. 10, edged behind while defending his first ball. Finally, Josh Wilson, the last batter, was bowled. Campher came around the wicket and crashed the ball into the stumps.

Campher Shares His Reaction

After the match, Campher spoke about his incredible performance. “Because of the change of overs, I wasn't really sure what was happening,” he said. “I just kind of stuck to my guns and kept it real simple and luckily it kind of went off.”

When asked if he could have taken six wickets in six balls, he responded honestly, “No, I don't think so. It is what it is. Take the rough with the smooth. Just happy to be out there in the sun.”

A Special Return After Injury

Importantly, this was only Campher’s second match back after recovering from a finger injury. Earlier, he missed the ODI and T20I series against West Indies.

He returned earlier in the week against Leinster Lightning, where he scored 57 off 35 balls but did not bowl. In this match, not only did he take five wickets, but he also scored a quick 44 off 24 balls.

Speaking about his comeback, Campher said, “Performances aside, it has been really good just to be around the boys. When you get injured, it's a bit of a dark place, when you get into the gym and stuff like that. So it has been really nice, just been treated with the weather too. So I have been really enjoying myself and putting pressure on myself to do well and it has kind of made me work for the last little bit.”

First in Men’s Cricket, But Not in History

Although Campher became the first male player to take five wickets in five balls, he is not the first cricketer overall to do so.

Earlier, in 2024, Zimbabwe’s Kelis Ndhlovu achieved the same feat in a domestic women’s T20 match. She took five wickets in five balls for Zimbabwe U-19 against Eagles Women.

Previously, Campher had already joined the rare list of bowlers who took four wickets in four balls in men’s T20 internationals.
Now, this new record has placed him in even more elite company.