Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey Shatters T20I World Record: Is 8 for 7 the New Peak of Bowling Perfection?
Cricket history was rewritten in the most spectacular fashion on a Friday in Gelephu, Bhutan. In a stunning display of skill, guile, and sheer dominance, 22-year-old Bhutanese spinner Sonam Yeshey didn’t just break a record—he vaporized the very ceiling of what was thought possible in T20 International cricket. His figures of 8 for 7 in just four overs against Myanmar have secured his place as the first bowler, in both men’s and women’s cricket, to claim an Sonam Yeshey 8 wicket haul . This wasn’t just a good spell; it was a masterclass that left the entire cricketing world in awe.
Table of Contents
- The Historic Spell: Breaking Down Sonam Yeshey’s 8 for 7
- Sonam Yeshey 8 Wicket Haul: Shattering the T20I Record Books
- The Impact on Bhutan’s Series Dominance
- Who is Sonam Yeshey? The Architect of a World Record
- What This Means for the Future of Bhutan Cricket
- Conclusion: A Legendary Performance for the Ages
- Sources
The Historic Spell: Breaking Down Sonam Yeshey’s 8 for 7
The third T20I of the bilateral series between Bhutan and Myanmar, played in Gelephu on December 26, 2025, was set to be a routine affair . Bhutan had posted a competitive but not insurmountable total. Then, Sonam Yeshey stepped up to bowl, and the game, along with the record books, was turned on its head.
In a spell of just four overs (24 deliveries), Yeshey delivered a clinic in spin bowling. He conceded a mere 7 runs while cleaning up the entire Myanmar top and middle order. His final figures of 4-1-7-8 are not just numbers; they represent an unprecedented level of control and execution in the high-octane world of T20 cricket . His victims included key Myanmar batters, and his relentless accuracy meant there was no respite for the opposition. The result? Myanmar was bundled out for a paltry 45 runs in just 9.2 overs, handing Bhutan a colossal 82-run victory .
Sonam Yeshey 8 Wicket Haul: Shattering the T20I Record Books
Before Yeshey’s magical spell, the pinnacle of T20I bowling was a seven-wicket haul. Only two bowlers in men’s cricket had ever achieved this: Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus, who took 7 for 8 against China, and another who matched the feat . The women’s game had seen similar highs, but an eight-wicket haul was a mythical achievement—until now.
By claiming his eighth wicket, Sonam Yeshey didn’t just equal a record; he leaped over it, setting a new, seemingly untouchable benchmark for all future bowlers . This historic achievement has been officially recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which celebrated the moment on its official channels, calling it a “spell for the ages” . His performance now stands alone in the annals of the game as the best bowling figures in T20 International history .
The Impact on Bhutan’s Series Dominance
Yeshey’s heroics weren’t just about personal glory; they were instrumental in securing an unassailable lead for his team. Bhutan went on to sweep the series 5-0 against Myanmar, a testament to their growing dominance in the Associate cricketing world . His spell in the third T20I was the definitive turning point, a statement of intent that demoralized the opposition and energized his own side. In a sport where momentum is everything, Yeshey provided an unstoppable force.
Who is Sonam Yeshey? The Architect of a World Record
At just 22 years old, Sonam Yeshey is already a seasoned campaigner for Bhutan. Before this historic series, he had already taken 24 wickets in 27 T20I matches, establishing himself as a key figure in the national side . His ability to extract turn and bounce from any surface, combined with a sharp cricketing brain, has made him a constant threat to rival batters.
His journey to this world record is a story of dedication from a nation where cricket is still fighting for mainstream attention. His performance is a powerful reminder that cricketing genius can emerge from anywhere, and that records are not the sole property of the game’s traditional powerhouses. For a deeper look at rising stars from Associate nations, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:associate-cricket-rising-stars] feature.
What This Means for the Future of Bhutan Cricket
Sonam Yeshey’s world record is more than a personal triumph; it’s a watershed moment for cricket in Bhutan. Such a globally recognized achievement brings immense visibility and credibility to the sport in the Himalayan kingdom. It can inspire a new generation of young Bhutanese to take up the game, dreaming of following in Yeshey’s footsteps.
Furthermore, this kind of performance puts Bhutan firmly on the radar of the ICC and global cricket scouts. It demonstrates the nation’s serious commitment to developing its cricketing infrastructure and talent. This could lead to more high-profile fixtures, increased funding, and a faster pathway for Bhutan to compete at higher levels of international cricket. You can learn more about the ICC’s development programs for emerging nations on their official website .
Conclusion: A Legendary Performance for the Ages
Sonam Yeshey’s Sonam Yeshey 8 wicket haul is not just a line in a scorecard; it’s a landmark event in cricket history. It’s a story of individual brilliance, national pride, and the boundless potential of the sport to surprise and amaze. His figures of 8 for 7 have reset the boundaries of excellence in T20I bowling, creating a new gold standard that future generations will strive to reach. For now, the cricketing world celebrates a new legend, born in Gelephu, who has proven that on any given day, magic can happen on a cricket field.
Sources
- The Times of India: “World Record! Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey scripts history…”
- Bhutan Cricket Board Official Match Report, December 26, 2025 .
- ICC Official Statement and Social Media Recognition [[19], [24]].
- Cricinfo Stats: “Best bowling figures in men’s T20I history” [[14], [18]].
- Match Summary: Bhutan vs Myanmar, 3rd T20I, Gelephu [[8], [10]].