6,6,6,4,6,6…: This player went unsold in IPL 2026 auction, now scored 34 runs in one over against…
Cricket has a funny way of responding to snubs. Just weeks after going unsold at the IPL 2026 mini auction, Jonny Bairstow produced a knock that felt less like a reminder and more like a warning.
On Tuesday night in the SA20, the England wicketkeeper-batter turned Centurion into his personal playground, smashing an unbeaten 85 off 45 balls for Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals. And the moment everyone will remember? A jaw-dropping 34-run over that left South Africa’s premier spinner Keshav Maharaj searching for answers. If IPL franchise owners were watching and they almost certainly were they would’ve felt the sting.
From Auction Snub to Absolute Carnage
Bairstow’s name surprisingly went unsold at the IPL mini auction on December 16, raising plenty of eyebrows. Form, availability, age, whatever the reasons, the Englishman clearly took it personally.
Facing Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park, Bairstow walked in with intent written all over him. Chasing 177, Sunrisers Eastern Cape got off to a flying start thanks to Quinton de Kock, who immediately put the Capitals’ bowlers under pressure. Once Bairstow settled in, the chase turned into a procession.
The Over That Changed Everything
The defining moment came in the 12th over. Keshav Maharaj, a seasoned international spinner and Capitals captain, was brought on to slow things down. Instead, Bairstow flipped the switch into full attack mode. Five sixes and a four later, the over had gone for 34 runs, sending shockwaves through the stadium.
Jonny Bairstow smashes 34 runs in Keshav Maharaj’s over 🤯🔥
6, 6, 6, 4, 6, 6 — absolute carnage 💥#JonnyBairstow #Bairstow#KeshavMaharaj#SA20 #SA2026#SRH #CricketTwitter#Sixes #T20Cricket pic.twitter.com/wOYT7fYrqy— cinecricX (@cinecricX) January 5, 2026
It wasn’t slogging either. Bairstow picked his lengths early, stayed deep in the crease, and punished anything remotely in his arc. The timing was pristine, the intent ruthless. In the space of six deliveries, the game was effectively done.
A Clinical Chase, Start to Finish
Pretoria Capitals had earlier posted a competitive 176, but it never looked enough once Sunrisers began their response. De Kock set the tone with a fluent 79 off 41 balls, mixing power with placement and even pulling off a stunning catch in the field later to earn the Player of the Match award.
Bairstow played the perfect partner role before completely taking over. He finished unbeaten on 85, striking eight fours and six sixes, as Sunrisers Eastern Cape chased down the target in just 14.2 overs, without losing a single wicket.
Statement Made, Message Delivered
This wasn’t just a match-winning innings. It was a statement. Bairstow reminded everyone why he’s been one of the most feared white-ball batters of the last decade. Experience, power, adaptability, all still very much intact. The IPL snub may have shut one door temporarily, but nights like these make sure others stay wide open.