WATCH | Afghan cricketer smashes 7 sixes as T20 over yields record 48 runs

An astonishing 48 runs were scored off one over in a Kabul Premier League Twenty20 match on Saturday, with Afghan international cricketer Sediqullah Atal entering the record books.

ESPNCricinfo, considered a definitive record keeper, has an entry for most runs scored off a T20 over only for the Indian Premier League - 37 by West Indian Chris Gayle in 2011 - but Atal beat that tally comfortably.

The onslaught over came as the Shaheen Hunters were playing Abasin Defenders at Kabul's Ayobi Cricket Stadium in the country's domestic Twenty20 competition.

Atal, a 21-year-old all-rounder who has one T20 international cap to his name, was on 76 - and his team on 158 for six - when spinner Amir Zazai trundled in to deliver his first ball of the 19th over.

Zazai had conceded 35 runs for one wicket off three overs at that point, but overstepped the crease and Atal smashed him for six.

The next ball was a wide - which went through the 'keeper for four byes - meaning Zazai's two deliveries had cost 12 runs, and he still had six balls to bowl.

Each of those was sent soaring over boundary ropes by Atal in an astonishing display of power hitting as he finished on 118 not out off 56 balls. The over yielded 48 runs.

48 runs from 1 over. @Sediq_Atal26 is now in the cricketing history books. Equalled Rituraj Gaikwad's 7 sixes in an over. Poor Amir Zazai, almost escaped a heartache. This ?? must open the doors of international cricket & leagues for Atal. ???? #FutureStar #WorldRecord #SevenSixes pic.twitter.com/Ntt0lkZVUm

It is the first season of the Kabul Premier League and only a smattering of spectators were at the stadium to witness the feat, but it was captured on video in a clip now doing the rounds on social media.

"Unbelievable