Most runs conceded in an innings, This phrase is not just a bowling statistic it tells the story of those tough days when the courage and endurance of bowlers were pushed to the limit. Many times during ICC World Test Championship matches, there were moments when a batting storm raged on one end, while bowlers had to dig deep into their patience and stamina on the other. In this article, we remember those bowlers who conceded the most runs in a single innings. Some of them managed to take wickets but their economy rate and run tally turned into a nightmare.
ICC World Test Championship Records for Most Runs Conceded by Bowlers
1. Zahid Mahmood – 235 Runs vs England in Rawalpindi, 2022
- Overs 33
- Maidens 1
- Wickets 4
- Economy 7.12
Zahid Mahmood holds the unwanted record for conceding the most runs in a single Test innings. He gave away 235 runs in just 33 overs during the Rawalpindi Test against England in 2022. With an economy of over 7, it turned out to be one of the toughest spells for any Test bowler. Even though he picked up four wickets, England’s relentless hitting made it a day to forget.
2. Yasir Shah – 205 Runs vs Australia in Brisbane, 2019
- Overs 48.4
- Maidens 1
- Wickets 4
- Economy 4.21
Yasir Shah conceded 205 runs against Australia’s strong batting lineup in the 2019 Brisbane Test. Even with a better economy rate than usual, giving away over 200 runs is a huge physical and mental challenge for any bowler. He managed to take four wickets, but it wasn’t enough to stop Australia’s dominance.
3. Abrar Ahmed – 205 Runs vs New Zealand in Karachi, 2022
- Overs 67.5
- Maidens 8
- Wickets 5
- Economy 3.02
Abrar Ahmed gave away 205 runs across nearly 68 overs against New Zealand in Karachi. Despite the long spell, he made a mark by taking five wickets. His economy rate stayed in check, but the heavy workload and tough match conditions tested his stamina.
4. Taijul Islam – 198 Runs vs South Africa in Chattogram, 2024
- Overs 52.2
- Maidens 5
- Wickets 5
- Economy 3.78
Taijul Islam gave away 198 runs in the 2024 Chattogram Test against South Africa. He bowled a long spell against a strong South African batting lineup, but showed great determination by claiming five wickets.
5. Yasir Shah – 197 Runs vs Australia in Adelaide, 2019
- Overs 32
- Maidens 1
- Wickets 0
- Economy 6.15
Yasir Shah had an even tougher outing in Adelaide, conceding 197 runs in just 32 overs without picking up a single wicket. The high economy rate combined with the wicketless spell made it a particularly hard day for him. This marked his second time on the unwanted list.
6. Keshav Maharaj – 196 Runs vs India in Pune, 2019
- Overs 50
- Maidens 10
- Wickets 1
- Economy 3.92
In the 2019 Pune Test, Maharaj conceded 196 runs against India’s powerful batting order. While his economy was very balanced, he only took one wicket, reducing the significance of his lengthy spell.
7. Nathan Lyon – 194 Runs vs Sri Lanka in Galle, 2022
- Overs 64
- Maidens 5
- Wickets 2
- Economy 3.03
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s veteran bowler, conceded 194 runs against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2022. Despite bowling 64 overs with good control, he only took two wickets as Sri Lanka’s batsmen dealt with him patiently.
Read More
8. Prabath Jayasuriya – 194 Runs vs Pakistan in Colombo SSC, 2023′
- Overs 53
- Maidens 11
- Wickets 2
- Economy 3.66
Pakistan’s batters took full advantage of Prabath Jayasuriya, scoring 194 runs off his 53 overs at Colombo’s SSC ground in 2023. Despite bowling 11 maidens, he managed to claim just two wickets.
This list of the most runs conceded in an innings in ICC WTC history captures those moments when bowlers kept going, no matter the result. Their workload, mental strength, and relentless effort on the field deserve recognition, even if the scorecard doesn’t show the full story.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Bowlers With Most Wickets In ICC World Test Championship
