In a historic T20 cricket match at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Nepali batsman Dipendra Singh Airey made headlines by achieving the fastest half-century ever recorded in international T20 cricket. Facing off against Mongolia, Nepal put on an incredible performance, setting multiple records along the way.
Batting first, Nepal unleashed a batting onslaught, amassing a colossal total of 314 runs for the loss of only three wickets in their allotted 20 overs. This remarkable score not only set a new benchmark for international T20 cricket but also established Nepal as the team with the highest-ever innings total in the format. What’s more, Nepal smashed a staggering 26 sixes during this innings, further solidifying their dominance in the match.
The star of the show, Dipendra Singh Airey, etched his name into the annals of cricket history by blitzing his way to a half-century in just nine balls, breaking the previous record held by former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Airey’s lightning-quick fifty ultimately comprised 52 runs off a mere 10 deliveries, leaving spectators in awe of his batting prowess.
Prior to Airey’s sensational feat, Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest T20 half-century stood at 12 balls, achieved during the 2007 T20 World Cup. This remarkable achievement came against England, with Stuart Broad, the England pacer, on the receiving end of Yuvraj’s destructive batting display.
Adding to Nepal’s remarkable performance, Kushal Malla, another talented Nepali batsman, notched up a remarkable century against Mongolia. Malla remained unbeaten, accumulating an astonishing 137 runs off just 50 balls, which included eight fours and an impressive 12 towering sixes. Captain Rohit Paudel also made a significant contribution to the team’s success, scoring 61 runs off 27 balls.
Malla’s century, Airey’s record-breaking half-century, and Paudel’s crucial innings collectively propelled Nepal to their formidable total. In reply, Mongolia faced the daunting task of chasing down 315 runs. However, they faltered under the immense pressure, managing only 41 runs in 13.1 overs. This resounding victory for Nepal was achieved with an extraordinary margin of 273 runs.
This monumental match showcased Nepal’s prowess in T20 cricket and set new benchmarks in the sport’s history, solidifying their standing as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. With these remarkable achievements, Nepal has truly left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
