T20 format cricket matches are thrilling most of the time. We can see the madness of the highest run rates, total scores, T20 centuries, number of boundaries, etc. In this format, we can not predict who performs better just by looking at their past performances. We witnessed a similar match at the Asian Games.
The match between the new team Mongolia and Nepal was the most historic ever as Nepal made some unbreakable history. This includes the highest total, highest T20I run rate, maximum sixes, fastest century, fastest half-century, highest winning margin, etc.
Nepal secured a historic victory in the 19th Asian Games, leaving a resounding mark on the T20I cricket world. Facing off against tournament newcomer Mongolia at the Zhejiang University of Technology stadium in Hangzhou, China, Nepal’s cricketing heroes etched their names into the annals of the sport with a performance that shattered records and captured hearts.
On the 10th of October, Nepal faced the challenge of losing the toss and being sent in to bat first. What followed was a masterclass in cricketing excellence. In a span of 20 overs, Nepal managed to accumulate an impressive total of 314 runs, all while losing just three wickets. Subsequently, they proceeded to bowl out Mongolia for a mere 41 runs in a mere 13.1 overs.
This stunning victory yielded an array of records for Nepal in the match of T20I cricket:
- Record-Breaking Total: Nepal’s impressive score of 314 runs, despite losing three wickets in 20 overs, stands as the highest-ever total achieved in T20Is. This milestone surpasses the previous records held by Afghanistan, who scored 278/3 against Ireland on 23 February 2019, and the Czech Republic, who scored 278/4 against Turkey on 30 August 2019.
- Highest T20I Run Rate: Nepal’s remarkable performance also set a new record for the highest run rate in T20Is. Scoring 314 runs against Mongolia translated to a run rate of 15.7, eclipsing Afghanistan’s previous record of 13.9, set on 23 February 2019 against Ireland.
- Maximum Sixes: The Nepali batsmen showcased their power-hitting prowess by smashing an astounding 26 sixes while amassing their total of 314 runs, establishing a fresh world record for the most sixes in a T20I innings. This record was previously held by the Czech Republic, with 22 sixes against Turkey on 30 August 2019.
- Kushal’s Century Feat: Kushal Malla etched his name into the record books by achieving a century in just 34 balls during Nepal’s innings of 314 runs. This remarkable feat broke the previous record held by South Africa’s David Miller, who scored a century in 35 balls against Bangladesh on 29 October 2017. Malla remained unbeaten on 137 runs, securing the fifth position in the list of cricketers with the highest individual scores in a single T20I innings, with Aaron Finch leading the chart at 172 runs.
- Dipendra Singh Aire’s Fastest Fifty: Dipendra Singh Aire made history by scoring a fifty in just 9 balls, becoming the batsman with the fastest half-century in T20Is. The previous record was held by India’s Yuvraj Singh, who achieved a half-century in 12 balls against England on 19 September 2007.
- Dipendra Singh Aire’s Remarkable Strike Rate: In addition to his rapid fifty, Dipendra Singh Aire also set a new record for the highest strike rate in T20Is. He amassed an unbeaten 52 runs in just 10 balls, resulting in an astonishing strike rate of 520.00. This feat surpassed the previous record held by Dwayne Smith of the West Indies, who scored 29 runs off just 7 balls at a strike rate of 414.28 against Bangladesh on 13th September 2007.
- Dominant Victory Margin: Nepal defeated Mongolia by 273 runs, marking the largest margin of victory in T20Is. This resounding achievement surpasses the previous record set on 30 August 2019 when the Czech Republic defeated Turkey by 257 runs.
As the sun set on this unforgettable match, Nepal emerged triumphant, not only over Mongolia but also as record-setters and history-makers in the world of T20I cricket. Their remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a testament to the boundless possibilities of the sport. With a victory margin of 273 runs, Nepal has etched its name in the record books, reaffirming its status as a cricketing force to be reckoned with on the international stage. This momentous victory will be celebrated for years to come, showcasing Nepal’s cricketing prowess and its bright future in the world of sports.