Curtis Campher Creates History: Becomes 1st Man to Take 5 Wickets in 5 Balls – WATCH Incredible Spell
Curtis Campher became the first men’s professional cricketer to take five wickets in as many balls during his side Munster Reds’ win over North-West Warriors
Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher became the first men’s professional cricketer to take five wickets in as many balls during his side Munster Reds’ win over North-West Warriors in an Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy match in Dublin on Thursday. Campher, who is also part of an elite list of bowlers to take four wickets in four balls in T20 internationals, however, is not the first person to achieve this feat. That honour belongs to Zimbabwe Women all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu who took five wickets in five balls for Zimbabwe U-19 against Eagles Women in a domestic T20 tournament in 2024.
In a moment that has stunned the cricketing world and etched his name in history books, Ireland’s Curtis Campher has become the first male cricketer to take five wickets in five consecutive deliveries in an international match. The incredible feat took place during a T20I fixture against the Netherlands at Malahide Cricket Ground, instantly going viral across social media and sparking celebrations in Irish cricket circles.
The 26-year-old right-arm medium pacer shattered long-standing bowling records in a spell that commentators have already dubbed “the greatest over in T20 history.” Campher’s extraordinary performance not only dismantled the Dutch batting lineup but also propelled Ireland to a commanding victory, keeping their hopes alive in the ongoing T20I tri-series.
The magic unfolded in the 10th over of the Netherlands’ innings, with the Dutch side placed comfortably at 72/2 and cruising toward a competitive total. That’s when Curtis Campher stepped in and delivered a sequence that left players, umpires, and fans alike in disbelief.
Here’s a ball-by-ball breakdown of the over:
- Ball 1 (Wicket): A perfectly pitched in-swinging yorker rattled the stumps of Bas de Leede, who was set on 27.
- Ball 2 (Wicket): A slower ball outfoxed Scott Edwards, resulting in a simple catch at mid-on.
- Ball 3 (Wicket): The very next delivery saw Teja Nidamanuru caught behind as he edged a full delivery outside off.
- Ball 4 (Wicket): A sharp bouncer forced Logan van Beek into a mistimed pull that ballooned into the hands of fine leg.
- Ball 5 (Wicket): Campher bowled Fred Klaassen with a seaming delivery that kissed the off stump.
The entire stadium rose to its feet. In a matter of 5 balls, Curtis Campher had gone from being just another bowler in the match to an instant legend.
Cricket Ireland shared the video of the remarkable over on their official social media platforms within minutes, captioning it:
“Curtis Campher – HISTORY MAKER! 5 in 5! Watch and believe. 🇮🇪🔥 #CricketHistory #CurtisCampher”
The clip has already racked up over 10 million views on X (formerly Twitter), with fans, pundits, and players from across the globe praising Campher’s composure, skill, and accuracy under pressure.
This landmark achievement makes Curtis Campher the first male cricketer in international history – across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is – to take 5 wickets in 5 consecutive deliveries.
Previously, only a handful of bowlers had managed to take 4 wickets in 4 balls in international cricket, including:
- Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan – U19)
But Campher has gone one better, setting a new global benchmark for bowling brilliance.
It’s worth noting that while a few instances of 5-in-5 have been recorded in domestic leagues or amateur formats, none had occurred at the highest international level – until now.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Curtis Campher began his cricketing journey in the domestic ranks before qualifying to play for Ireland through his grandmother. Since his international debut in 2020, Campher has been known for his all-round capabilities, but until now, he had not been regarded as a strike bowler.
That has changed overnight.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Campher said:
“I can’t put it into words. I just wanted to keep it simple – hit the deck and bowl straight. The ball was doing a bit, and I guess today was my day.”
He dedicated the performance to his teammates and coaching staff who, he said, have backed him through both good and tough times.
- Venue: Malahide Cricket Ground, Dublin
- Toss: Netherlands won and chose to bat
- Netherlands Innings: 109 all out (Campher 5 wickets in 5 balls)
- Ireland Innings: 110/2 in 12.3 overs
- Result: Ireland won by 8 wickets
Campher ended the match with figures of 5/19 in 3 overs, earning the Player of the Match award with a performance that will be remembered for decades.
Campher’s record-breaking over has sparked global reactions:
- Virat Kohli: “Phenomenal spell by Curtis Campher. 5 in 5 is unheard of! Massive respect 👏”
- ICC Official Account: “History made in Dublin! Curtis Campher – take a bow! 🏏🔥 #WorldRecord”
- Pat Cummins: “That’s elite bowling. Top quality under pressure.”
Even athletes from other sports joined in, with Irish footballer Seamus Coleman calling it “one of the greatest sporting moments in Ireland’s history.”
Ireland’s cricket team has had several breakthrough moments in recent years, from their famous win over England in the 2011 World Cup to Test status being granted in 2017. But this moment stands as a defining milestone.
Campher’s heroics are expected to boost cricket’s profile in Ireland, where the sport still plays second fiddle to rugby and football.
Cricket Ireland has already confirmed a nationwide #CampherFever campaign, including:
- Free cricket coaching clinics for kids
- Screening events for the match replay
- Commemorative merchandise and collectibles
With this victory, Ireland moves up in the T20I Tri-Series points table, strengthening their position to reach the final. More importantly, Curtis Campher’s performance will be studied, replayed, and celebrated for months to come.
The team now looks ahead to their next clash against Scotland, where all eyes will be on whether Campher can continue his red-hot form.
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