The Nepal cricket team has etched a new chapter in the annals of cricket history. During their match against Mongolia at the Asian Games 2023, Nepal's batters showcased such a dazzling performance that it left the audience in awe. In this T20I clash, Nepal amassed a staggering 314 runs for the loss of just three wickets. This feat propelled Nepal to the pinnacle of T20I scores, surpassing Afghanistan's previous record of 278 runs.
Nepal's cricketer Kushal Malla achieved a monumental milestone by scoring the quickest century in T20I history, reaching the three-figure mark in just 34 balls. This remarkable achievement eclipsed the records held by Team India's captain Rohit Sharma and South African batter David Miller, both of whom had scored centuries in 35 balls.
Nepal's Record-Breaking Achievements
Another feather in Nepal's cap was added by Dipendra Singh Airee, who blazed his way to the fastest half-century in T20I cricket. He reached this milestone in a mere 9 balls, thereby breaking the record set by Yuvraj Singh. It's worth noting that Yuvraj had achieved his half-century in 10 balls against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup, 16 years prior.
For those unaware, the Mongolian team is making its debut in men's cricket. In 2021, the ICC granted Mongolia the status of an Associate team. The Nepal cricket team is competing in Group A and is slated to play their subsequent match against the Maldives.
If Nepal secures the top spot in Group A, they will advance to the quarterfinals. Following this, they will be pitted against cricketing giants such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. It's pertinent to mention that all five nations have dispatched their secondary teams to participate in the Asian Games 2023, as their senior teams are engaged in the ODI World Cup.
Nepal's Commanding Victory
Responding to Nepal's mammoth total of 314 runs, the Mongolian side was bundled out for a paltry 41 runs. This handed Nepal a resounding victory by a margin of 273 runs. The Mongolian side could only last 13.1 overs. From Nepal's side, Kushal Malla was the top scorer with a splendid 137 runs, while Dipendra Singh contributed 52 runs and captain Rohit Paudel added 61 runs to the tally.
Nepal's Cricketing Milestones
Highest score in T20Is: Nepal - 314 runs.
First team to breach the 300-run mark in T20.
Quickest century in T20: Kushal Malla.
Speediest half-century in T20: Dipendra Singh Airee.
Most sixes in a single innings: Nepal with 26 sixes.
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