Singapore notched a resounding victory over Mongolia in their T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A match on Thursday, September 5 in Bangi. Mongolia's batting performance was abysmal, as they were bundled out for a mere 10 runs, the joint-lowest total in men's T20I history, equaling the Isle of Man's score against Spain last year. In 2023, the Isle of Man also faced a similar fate, being bowled out for a paltry 10 runs against Spain in Cartagena.
Mongolia all-out for mere 10 runs
Chasing a target of 11, Singapore's dominance was unquestionable. They achieved a nine-wicket win with a staggering 115 balls remaining. Despite losing a wicket on the first delivery, Singapore's batting lineup swiftly dispatched the remaining target in just five balls. This victory marked Singapore's second win in the competition, while Mongolia remained winless after four matches, occupying the bottom position in the table.
Harsha Bharadwaj's dominance
Harsha Bharadwaj played a pivotal role in Singapore's victory, capturing 6 wickets for 3 runs in his four overs. This outstanding performance ranks as the second-best bowling figures in men's T20I history. The 17-year-old leg-spinner's impact was immediate, claiming two wickets in the first over and five of the six wickets Mongolia lost during the powerplay. Mongolia's batting lineup struggled, with five batsmen being dismissed for ducks. As a result, Mongolia now holds three of the four lowest scores in men's T20Is, all recorded in 2024. Mongolia's innings lasted ten overs, including three maidens. The longest partnerships of the innings were for the fourth and last wickets, each lasting 11 balls. In Singapore's chase, Raoul Sharma made an immediate impact with a six off his first ball, and William Simpson secured the victory with a four off the penultimate ball of the first over.
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Singapore hence become only the second team to successfully complete a run-chase in a single over. Spain was the first, achieving this feat by chasing down 11 runs against the Isle of Man in just two balls.
Brief scores: Mongolia 10/10 in 10 overs (Gandemberel Ganbold 2, Zoljavkhlan Shurentsetseg 2*; Harsha Bharadwaj 6-3, Akshay Puri 2-4) lost to Singapore 13/1 in 0.5 over Raoul Sharma 7*, William Simpson 6*) by nine wickets.
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