Bhutan's Sonam Yeshey Shatters T20 Record with 8-7

Sonam Yeshey, the 22-year-old left-arm spinner from Bhutan, has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first bowler to claim eight wickets in a T20 international. His astonishing 8-7 figures from just four overs powered Bhutan to an 82-run victory over Myanmar in the third T20I of their five-match series in Gelephu. This unprecedented haul surpasses the previous best of 7-8 by Malaysia's Syazrul Idrus, marking a seismic shift in men's T20I bowling records. Debuting in July 2022, Yeshey's debut-series demolition has stunned the cricket world, proving that minnow nations can produce world-beaters.

This record-breaking spell catapults Sonam Yeshey into the spotlight, transforming him from obscurity to T20 legend overnight. Bhutan, long considered cricket underdogs, defended a modest 127-9 by skittling Myanmar for just 45, with Yeshey snaring six caught, one bowled, and one lbw. His economy of 1.75 underlines ruthless precision in the shortest format. For Bhutan, riding high after two prior wins, this cements series dominance and boosts morale ahead of the final two games. Yeshey's rise signals emerging talent from non-Test nations, challenging perceptions in global cricket.

Sonam Yeshey's Record-Breaking Tactics

Sonam Yeshey's mastery lay in his left-arm spin variations, exploiting Gelephu's pitch to perfection. Bowled at an economy rarer than a no-ball in T20s (1.75), he dismantled Myanmar's top order with drift and turn, taking wickets in clusters. Six caught dismissals highlight sharp fielding synergy, while his lone lbw and bowled showed pinpoint accuracy. Compared to Syazrul Idrus's 7-8, Yeshey's haul is superior by wickets and economy, evoking Rashid Khan's control but amplified. This isn't luck—it's tactical brilliance honed in domestic circuits, now elevating Bhutan's attack to elite levels. Career stats post-debut: 10 wickets in 3 T20Is at 5.20 average, redefining minnow potential.

Myanmar Series and T20I Evolution

In the Bhutan vs Myanmar 2025-26 series, Yeshey's heroics have Bhutan 3-0 up, eyeing a clean sweep. This bilateral underscores Associate nations' growth, mirroring Nepal's upsets in past World Cups. Historically, T20Is favored batsmen, but Yeshey's 8-7 flips the script, akin to Wanindu Hasaranga's hauls. For global cricket, it amplifies calls for more Associate exposure, impacting ICC rankings and pathways to majors like the T20 World Cup 2026. Myanmar's collapse exposes batting frailties, while Bhutan surges in regional standings.

"Sonam Yeshey's figures are unprecedented in T20Is—pure domination from a debut sensation." - ESPNcricinfo scorecard analysis

With two T20Is left, Sonam Yeshey eyes the player-of-series award, but sustaining this form demands consistency. Bhutan faces stiffer tests in ACC tournaments, where Yeshey's spin could unlock qualification dreams for bigger stages. Fans must watch: can this record propel him to IPL radars or international contracts? In 2026's packed calendar, Yeshey's story embodies cricket's globalization—underdogs rising, records tumbling, and new heroes emerging. Keep eyes peeled for the finale.