An unheralded New Zealand domestic bowler etched his name into cricket history on Sunday by becoming the first player in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to take five wickets in five consecutive deliveries.

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Central Districts seamer Brett Randell achieved the remarkable feat against Northern Districts on day two of their Plunket Shield clash at McLean Park. The extraordinary spell unfolded in front of a sparse crowd but will go down as one of the most unique moments in cricket history.

According to records maintained by the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, such a feat has not been recorded since what historians recognise as the first documented first-class match in 1772.

Randell’s devastating burst began with the final delivery of his second over when he bowled Henry Cooper. He then dismissed fellow opener and former New Zealand Test batter Jeet Raval with the first ball of his next over. Three more wickets followed in successive deliveries, with the record-breaking fifth coming when international all-rounder Kristian Clarke was bowled.

The 30-year-old right-arm seamer did not stop there, claiming two more wickets in his following over as Northern Districts were bowled out for just 82 in reply to Central Districts’ 373.

Randell finished with outstanding figures of 7 for 25 — the best of his 38-match first-class career spanning nine years.

For context, Ireland international Curtis Campher had previously taken five wickets in five balls in a domestic T20 match in 2024, becoming the first player to achieve the feat in a professional limited-overs game.