Cricket world record
A young cricketer from the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has permanently etched his name into the history books of the sport. Sonam Yeshey, a 22-year-old left-arm spinner, achieved what no bowler had ever done before in a Twenty20 international match. He took an astonishing eight wickets while conceding a mere seven runs. This incredible performance shattered the existing world record during a match against Myanmar. The sporting world now turns its attention to this remarkable talent from a nation better known for its mountains and monasteries than for producing world-class cricketing feats, proving that sporting excellence can emerge from any corner of the globe and inspiring a new generation of players in associate cricket nations.
Sonam Yeshey Delivers a Historic Spell Against Myanmar
The historic moment unfolded on a cricket field in Bhutan during a T20 international series. Myanmar, batting second in pursuit of Bhutan’s total of 127 runs, was completely dismantled by Yeshey’s magical spell. He single-handedly destroyed the visiting team’s batting lineup, finishing with figures of 4 overs, 7 runs conceded, and 8 wickets taken. His relentless accuracy and subtle variations proved utterly unplayable for the Myanmar batters. They were bowled out for just 45 runs, handing Bhutan a massive 82-run victory that will be remembered not for the margin of win but for the individual brilliance that secured it, showcasing a level of bowling dominance rarely seen in the fast-paced format of T20 cricket where batters usually dominate.
The Record Shatters Previous Best Bowling Figures
Yeshey’s achievement stands alone at the very pinnacle of T20 international bowling. He surpassed the previous joint record of seven wickets in an innings. That record was held by Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus, who took 7 for 8 against China in 2023, and Ali Dawood of Bahrain, who claimed 7 for 19 against Bhutan earlier in the same year. Yeshey’s feat of eight wickets now sets a new, seemingly untouchable benchmark for excellence with the white ball. It places him in a category of his own and sparks immediate debate among cricket historians and fans about whether this record will ever be broken, given the extreme level of skill and favorable circumstances required to achieve such a feat at the international level.
Young Spinner’s Rapid Rise in International Cricket
Despite his youth, Sonam Yeshey is not a newcomer to the international stage. He made his T20 debut for Bhutan back in 2022 against Malaysia, immediately impressing with three wickets for 16 runs in his very first match. Since that promising start, he has been a consistent performer for his national team, amassing 37 wickets across 34 matches. This steady progression highlights his development and growing importance as a strike bowler for Bhutan. The record-breaking performance is therefore not a mere fluke but the spectacular culmination of years of dedication and refinement of his craft, signaling the arrival of a genuinely world-class talent from an emerging cricket nation.
Historic Feat Stands Above Domestic and Women’s Cricket Records
To understand the magnitude of Yeshey’s accomplishment, it is useful to compare it to other notable bowling performances. In all of domestic T20 franchise cricket worldwide, only two bowlers have ever taken seven wickets in an inning. In women’s T20 international cricket, the best figures belong to Indonesia’s Rohmalia, who took an incredible 7 wickets for 0 runs against Mongolia in 2024. Yeshey’s 8-wicket haul now sits above all these distinguished performances, making it the single greatest bowling analysis in the entire recorded history of the T20 format at any level, a fact that cements its place as one of the most extraordinary individual achievements in modern cricket.
The Match Context and Full Team Performance
The record was set during a comprehensive team victory for Bhutan. After being asked to bat first, the Bhutanese team posted a competitive, if not formidable, total of 127 runs for the loss of nine wickets. This total placed pressure on the Myanmar batting side from the outset. Yeshey then took center stage, ensuring the Myanmar reply never gained any momentum. His wickets fell in rapid succession, collapsing the innings to a final total of just 45 runs. The match result, a decisive 82-run win, was squarely built on the foundation of Yeshey’s once-in-a-lifetime bowling performance, which turned a competitive match into a showcase of individual mastery that will be analyzed and celebrated for years to come.
A New Chapter for Bhutan Cricket on the World Stage
Sonam Yeshey’s record-breaking achievement does more than just add an entry to the cricket record books. It serves as a landmark moment for the sport in Bhutan. It puts the small nation firmly on the global cricket map and provides immense inspiration for young aspiring cricketers across the country. This feat demonstrates that with skill, determination, and opportunity, players from any nation can achieve the very highest honors in world sport. The story of the spinner from Bhutan who took eight wickets will be told and retold, symbolizing a breakthrough moment for associate cricket nations everywhere and challenging the traditional hierarchy of the international game.
