A World Record Beyond the Spotlight: Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey Becomes the First Bowler Ever to Take 8 Wickets in a Men’s T20I
Cricket history is often written in packed stadiums by global superstars, but in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, the game witnessed something truly extraordinary far away from the usual spotlight. Sonam Yeshey, a 22-year-old left-arm off-spinner from Bhutan, etched his name into the record books by becoming the first bowler in the world to take eight wickets in a single innings of a men’s T20 International. The landmark moment came during the third T20I between Bhutan and Myanmar, a match that will now be remembered as one of the greatest bowling performances the shortest format has ever seen. What unfolded over four overs was not just a statistical marvel but a deeply human story of perseverance, belief, and the rise of associate cricket.The Spell That Shocked World CricketDefending a modest total of 127 for 9, Bhutan needed inspiration with the ball. What they got instead was magic. Sonam Yeshey tore through Myanmar’s batting lineup with remarkable control and sharp turns, finishing with astonishing figures of 8 for 7 in four overs, including a maiden. Myanmar were bundled out for just 45 runs in 9.2 overs, unable to find answers to the relentless accuracy of the young spinner. Yeshey’s economy rate of 1.80 in a T20I spell added to the disbelief, as every delivery seemed to build pressure and invite mistakes. Bhutan went on to secure an emphatic 82-run victory, sealing an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. Bhutan Cricket summed it up best in their celebratory post: “A spell for the ages! Sonam Yeshey’s unbelievable 8/7 in four overs goes down as a world record.”Breaking a Barrier Never Crossed BeforeWhat makes Yeshey’s performance truly historic is the fact that no bowler, in international or domestic men’s T20 cricket, had ever taken eight wickets in a single innings before. The previous benchmark stood at seven wickets, a feat already considered extraordinary in a format designed to favor batters. Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus held the best T20I figures with 7 for 8 against China in 2023, while Bahrain’s Ali Dawood had taken 7 for 19 against Bhutan earlier this year. In the broader T20 landscape, only a handful of players had managed seven-wicket hauls, including Netherlands all-rounder Colin Ackermann in county cricket and Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed in a franchise match. The Young Man Behind the RecordBorn on December 3, 2003, Sonam Yeshey’s journey to this moment has been anything but glamorous. Rising through Bhutan’s under-19 cricket ranks, he made his senior international debut in July 2022, quietly building his game away from the attention enjoyed by players from full-member nations. A slow left-arm orthodox spinner who bats right-handed, Yeshey relies more on control, flight, and reading batters than raw pace or mystery variations. His consistency has made him a vital part of Bhutan’s bowling attack, and the Myanmar series showcased his growing maturity. Across the series, he picked up 12 wickets in four matches, underlining that the record-breaking spell was not a one-off but part of sustained excellence. Since his T20I debut against Malaysia, Yeshey has claimed 37 wickets in 34 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 17.37 and an economy rate of 5.69. For young cricketers in Bhutan and other associate nations, Yeshey’s spell is more than a record; it is hope. It tells them that international recognition is possible, that dedication can overcome geography, and that dreams are valid even when they seem unrealistic.What This Means for Associate CricketBhutan and Myanmar are both associate members of the International Cricket Council, often competing far from mainstream attention. Moments like these are crucial for the growth of the game at this level. They draw eyes, spark conversations, and validate the ICC’s vision of globalizing cricket. Yeshey’s record has already travelled far beyond Gelephu, being reported by major cricket platforms such as ESPNcricinfo. Such recognition can lead to better opportunities, stronger domestic structures, and increased inspiration for young players across emerging cricket nations.A Record That Will Be RememberedIn an era where T20 cricket is often associated with big hits and towering sixes, Sonam Yeshey reminded the world of the timeless beauty of bowling. His 8 for 7 is not just a world record; it is a statement that cricket’s soul still lies in skill, patience, and courage. From a quiet Bhutanese city to the global cricketing archives, Sonam Yeshey’s name will now forever be linked with one of the greatest spells the game has ever witnessed.
