Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey scripts historic 8-wicket T20I haul

Bhutan’s young left-arm spinner Sonam Yeshey created history in international cricket by becoming the first bowler to take an eight-wicket haul in men’s T20 Internationals. The landmark performance came during the third T20I against Myanmar in Gelephu, marking one of the most extraordinary bowling spells ever witnessed in the shortest format.

Record-breaking spell against Myanmar

The 22-year-old delivered sensational figures of 8 for 7 in four overs, including a maiden, at an economy rate of just 1.80. His spell completely dismantled Myanmar’s chase of 128, bowling them out for only 45 in 9.2 overs. Bhutan secured an emphatic 82-run victory, sealing an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series.

Surpassing previous T20I bowling records

Before Yeshey’s feat, the best bowling figures in men’s T20 Internationals stood at seven wickets in an innings. Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus had taken 7 for 8 against China in 2023, while Bahrain’s Ali Dawood claimed 7 for 19 against Bhutan earlier in 2025. No bowler in men’s T20 cricket had previously crossed the seven-wicket mark, making Yeshey’s achievement unprecedented.

Rise of a key figure in Bhutan cricket

Born on December 3, 2003, Sonam Yeshey rose through Bhutan’s under-19 system before making his senior international debut in July 2022. A slow left-arm orthodox spinner who bats right-handed, he has been in strong form throughout the series, picking up 12 wickets from four matches. Since his T20I debut against Malaysia, he has taken 37 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 17.37 and an economy rate of 5.69, underlining his growing importance to Bhutan cricket.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• T20 Internationals are 20-over-per-side cricket matches played between national teams.
• Eight wickets in a single T20I innings is a world record in men’s cricket.
• Bhutan and Myanmar are associate members of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
• Slow left-arm orthodox bowling is a spin style that turns the ball from right to left for right-handed batters.

Significance for associate nation cricket

Yeshey’s historic spell highlights the rising competitiveness of associate cricket nations and the expanding global footprint of the sport. Performances of this scale not only elevate Bhutan’s profile in international cricket but also demonstrate how emerging teams are producing world-class individual achievements in global formats.