Nepal Sets Six World Records in International Cricket
Hangzhou, China - October 2, 2023
In a historic showdown at the Zhejiang University Cricket Ground, Nepal scripted cricketing history by setting six world records during their resounding triumph over Mongolia in the opening match of the men's cricket competition at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Nepal's commanding performance saw them outclass Mongolia by an astounding margin of 273 runs, as the Mongolian side could only muster 41 runs in pursuit of Nepal's colossal target of 315. The encounter will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in cricket's illustrious history.
Mongolia's Struggles
Mongolia's batting lineup was utterly dismantled by Nepal's formidable bowling attack, with the entire team being dismissed for just 41 runs in a mere 13.1 overs. Only Davaasuren Jamyansuren managed to reach double figures, contributing 10 runs to Mongolia's cause. Nepal's bowlers were in devastating form, with Karan KC, Abinash Bohra, and Sandeep Lamichhane each claiming two wickets, while Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Kushal Bhurtel secured one wicket apiece.
Nepal's Record-Breaking Batting Display
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Nepal posted a monumental total of 314 runs for the loss of just three wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performer of the match was Kushal Malla, who played a scintillating unbeaten innings of 137 runs, which included eight boundaries and a jaw-dropping 12 sixes off just 50 balls. Captain Rohit Paudel also made a significant contribution with his explosive 61 runs from 27 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes. Dipendra Singh Airee added to Nepal's fireworks with his 52 unbeaten runs from just 10 balls, including eight sixes.
World Records Galore
The Nepal vs. Mongolia clash at the Asian Games witnessed six remarkable world records being set, etching this encounter into the annals of cricketing history.
Highest Innings Total in T20I: Nepal's commanding total of 314 runs surpassed the previous record of 278 runs held by Afghanistan and the Chase Republic in 2019, establishing a new benchmark in T20 International cricket.
Fastest Century: Kushal Malla etched his name into the record books by completing a century in just 34 balls, breaking the previous record held by David Warner, Rohit Sharma, and Sudesh Wickramasekara, who achieved it in 35 balls.
Fastest Half-Century: Dipendra Airee's blazing half-century in just 9 balls, with sixes in each of the first six balls he faced, shattered Yuvraj Singh's record, and will be remembered as one of the most explosive batting displays in T20 cricket. Airee's incredible sequence read: (6 6 6 6 6 6 2 6 6 2).
Highest Partnership for Third Wicket: The partnership between Kushal Malla and Rohit Paudel, which yielded 193 runs, became the highest ever in T20 Internationals, eclipsing New Zealand's Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway's 184-run stand against the West Indies in 2020.
Largest Margin of Victory: Nepal's 273-run win over Mongolia is now the largest margin of victory in T20 Internationals, obliterating the previous record held by the Chase Republic, who defeated Turkey by 257 runs in 2019.
Most Sixes in an Innings: Nepal's staggering 26 sixes in the match set a new record for the most sixes in a single innings in T20 international history, surpassing Afghanistan's previous record of 22 sixes against Ireland in 2019. This record-breaking display of power hitting left spectators in awe.
A Triumph to Remember
Nepal's historic performance in this match not only solidifies their reputation in the cricketing world but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the globe. This emphatic victory and the six world records set have given Nepal's cricketing fraternity a moment of immense pride and joy. It will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the growth of cricket in the nation and further cement Nepal's position on the international cricketing stage.
The Asian Games in Hangzhou have witnessed a cricketing spectacle of unparalleled proportions, and Nepal's monumental achievements on this historic day will be celebrated for years to come. As the tournament progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await to see if Nepal can continue their record-breaking spree and secure a prominent place on the podium.
