In an unprecedented display of spin bowling, Bhutan's Sonam Yeshey has etched his name into the cricketing history books by delivering the best bowling performance ever seen in a men's T20 International match. The left-arm off-spinner achieved the remarkable feat of taking eight wickets while conceding just seven runs, a record that now stands at the pinnacle of the shortest format of the game.
The Record-Breaking Spell in Gelephu
The historic moment unfolded on December 29, 2025, in Gelephu during the third T20I clash between Bhutan and Myanmar. After Bhutan posted a competitive total of 127 for 9, thanks to a half-century from Namgang Chejay, the stage was set for their bowlers. Myanmar's reply began cautiously, but the dismissal of opener Pyae Phyo Wai in the third over triggered a spectacular collapse, masterminded almost single-handedly by the 22-year-old Yeshey.
Myanmar's batters found themselves completely bamboozled by Yeshey's subtle variations and control. One after another, eight batsmen succumbed to his slow bowling, unable to find an answer to his guile. The innings crumbled to a mere 45 runs in just 9.2 overs, with Yeshey's final figures reading an astonishing 4 overs, 1 maiden, 7 runs, and 8 wickets. His devastating spell powered Bhutan to a comprehensive victory, sealing a 5-0 series whitewash.
Where This Record Stands in Cricket History
Sonam Yeshey's figures of 8 for 7 are not just a national record for Bhutan but a global milestone. He has become the first bowler in the history of men's T20 Internationals to claim eight wickets in a single innings. The previous best was jointly held by Malaysia's Syazrul Idrus, who took 7 for 8 against China in 2023, and Bahrain's Ali Dawood, who claimed 7 for 19 against Bhutan earlier in 2025.
This achievement is even more significant in the broader context of T20 cricket. No bowler, in any official men's T20 match anywhere in the world, had ever taken eight wickets before Yeshey. The previous benchmark in all men's T20s was a seven-wicket haul, achieved by only a handful of players like Colin Ackermann (7/18) and Taskin Ahmed (7/19).
Who is Sonam Yeshey?
The man behind this sensational performance is a 22-year-old left-arm off-spinner who made his T20I debut for Bhutan in 2022 against Malaysia. Since his debut, Yeshey has been a consistent performer for his national team. In 34 T20Is, he has now taken 37 wickets, which includes one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul prior to this record-shattering eight-for.
His journey from a debutant to a world-record holder underscores the growing competitive spirit in associate nation cricket. This spell is a testament to his skill, patience, and the ability to seize the moment on the international stage, bringing glory not just to himself but putting Bhutan firmly on the global cricket map.
This historic performance in Gelephu will be remembered as one of the most dominant individual bowling displays in the annals of T20 cricket. It serves as a powerful reminder that cricketing excellence and record-breaking feats can emerge from any corner of the world, inspiring a new generation of players in Bhutan and beyond.
