• Watch: Colin Ackermann’s world record 7-18

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    South African Colin Ackermann claimed world-record figures of 7-14 in Leicestershire’s 55-run victory over the Birmingham Bears at Grace Road.

    Leicestershire captain and part-time spinner Ackermann’s haul is the best in the history of professional T20 cricket.

    Somerset’s Arrul Suppiah held the previous record: 6-5 against Glamorgan in Cardiff in 2011.

    The former best by a South African – anywhere in the world – was Border seamer Phaphama Fojela’s 6-9 against Easterns in East London in 2014.

    ‘I’d never have believed this in a million years – I count myself as a batting all-rounder. It was the first time it has turned at Grace Road, so I tried to use my height and get a bit of bounce,’ said Ackermann.

    ‘Even if it turns a couple of centimetres it’s an advantage. I tried to get the batters to hit into the biggest part of the field into the wind and just mix my pace up a little.’

    Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis holds the record for the best figures in T20I cricket – 6-8 versus Zimbabwe in Hambantota in 2012.

    Last year’s contract extension will keep Ackermann at Leicestershire until 2020.

    ‘I am extremely pleased to be extending my contract with the Foxes,’ he said at the time.

    ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I look forward to more good times to come. It is a great honour to be captaining the Foxes in the Blast.’

    Photo: Getty Images

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