Bhutan cricket world record: Sonam Yeshey creates history by taking 8 wickets in a men’s T20I match against Myanmar. Learn about this historic achievement, key stats, and its significance for competitive exams.
Sonam Yeshey Makes History with Record 8‑Wicket T20I Bowling Performance
In an extraordinary cricketing achievement, Bhutan’s left‑arm spinner Sonam Yeshey etched his name into the global sports record books by becoming the first bowler ever to take an eight‑wicket haul in a T20 International (T20I) match. This astonishing milestone occurred during the third men’s T20I between Bhutan and Myanmar held at Gelephu, with Yeshey dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup with exceptional control and precision.
Yeshey, aged 22, finished with remarkable bowling figures of 8 wickets for just 7 runs in his allotted four overs, marking a world record that surpasses all previous best figures in both men’s and women’s T20 cricket globally. Before this, no bowler in any T20 International — male or female — had ever claimed more than seven wickets in a single match.
Bhutan had set a target of 127 runs for the loss of nine wickets batting first. In reply, Myanmar’s batting unit collapsed under intense pressure as Yeshey wreaked havoc, helping bowl them out for just 45 — a comprehensive 82‑run victory for Bhutan.
A Game‑Changing Performance on the International Stage
Yeshey’s spell was historic not just for the record figures, but also for its significance in raising the profile of associate cricket nations like Bhutan on the global stage. While traditional cricket powerhouses dominate headlines, performances like this highlight the deepening talent pool across emerging teams. icc
The bowler’s performance also surpassed Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus, who previously held the men’s best T20I figures with 7 wickets for 8 runs against China in 2023. Additionally, Indonesia’s Rohmalia had the best figures in women’s T20Is with 7 for 0. Yeshey’s achievement thus set a new benchmark for bowling excellence in T20 cricket history.
Why This News Is Important
Boost to Cricket in Associate Nations
Sonam Yeshey’s world record has enormous significance beyond the match itself. It highlights the growing competitiveness of cricket among Associate Member nations — teams outside the top Test‑playing countries — which often receive less global recognition. This breakthrough underscores how talent from these nations can disrupt traditional hierarchies in the sport, motivating emerging cricketers and strengthening cricket’s global footprint.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
For students preparing for government and public service exams, this news connects to the Sports current affairs segment, a regular component in exams like SSC CGL, Banking, Railways, UPSC, State PSCs, and others. Important sporting milestones such as world records, first‑ever achievements, and international recognitions are commonly asked in general awareness sections. Yeshey’s record — being the first of its kind worldwide in T20Is — makes it a high‑value point for current affairs preparation.
Encourages Awareness of International Record‑Keeping
Understanding this event also builds knowledge of how international sports records are tracked and valued. It helps students recognize the difference between men’s and women’s records, domestic vs international achievements, and what constitutes official world records in sports — crucial for informed answers in competitive exams.
Historical Context: Bowling Feats in T20 Cricket
Evolution of T20 Records
Since the inception of T20 cricket in the early 2000s, the format has become one of the most dynamic in world cricket, producing both explosive batting and game‑changing bowling performances. However, owing to the limited overs (20 per side) and focus on aggressive batting, exceptionally high wicket hauls have been rare compared to longer formats like One‑Day Internationals or Test matches.
Previous Record Holders
Before Sonam Yeshey’s feat:
- Syazrul Idrus (Malaysia) held the best men’s T20I bowling figures with 7 wickets for 8 runs against China in 2023.
- Rohmalia (Indonesia) had the best women’s T20I figures of 7 wickets for 0 runs against Mongolia in 2024.
Such bowling achievements have been celebrated but remained rare, underlining the exceptional nature of Yeshey’s 8‑wicket haul — the only occurrence of its kind in T20 history so far.
Key Takeaways from “Sonam Yeshey’s 8‑Wicket Haul in Men’s T20Is”
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Sonam Yeshey?
Sonam Yeshey is a left-arm spinner from Bhutan who made history by becoming the first bowler to take 8 wickets in a men’s T20 International match.
2. Against which team did Sonam Yeshey achieve this record?
He achieved this record against Myanmar during the third T20I match between Bhutan and Myanmar.
3. What were Sonam Yeshey’s bowling figures in the historic match?
Yeshey took 8 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs, setting a new world record in T20 International cricket.
4. What is the significance of this record in cricket history?
This achievement is historic as no bowler in men’s or women’s T20 International cricket had ever taken 8 wickets in a single match, surpassing previous records held by players from Malaysia and Indonesia.
5. How did Bhutan perform in that match?
Bhutan won by 82 runs, having set a target of 127 and then bowling Myanmar out for 45 runs.
6. Who previously held the best T20I bowling figures?
Before Yeshey, Syazrul Idrus of Malaysia held the best men’s T20I figures with 7 wickets for 8 runs. In women’s T20Is, Rohmalia of Indonesia had 7 wickets for 0 runs.
7. Why is this news important for competitive exams?
This news is relevant for the Sports and Current Affairs section in exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, UPSC, and PSCs, as it highlights world records and first-time achievements in international sports.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
