Singapore wins in 5 balls after bowling out Mongolia for 10 runs in bizarre T20i
Since ICC granted international recognition to T20 matches of associate nations, records have been continuously broken. For example, despite winning in just 5 balls, one team couldn't set a world record, as there is already a record of winning a T20 match in just 2 balls.
Yes, you read the headline correctly—this was indeed an international T20 match.
In this 20-over match, one team was bowled out for 10 runs, and the opposing team secured victory in just 5 balls. It may seem unbelievable, but since ICC recognised associate nations' T20 matches as international fixtures, record-breaking performances have become common. Despite winning in 5 balls, the team didn't set a world record, as the shortest win in an international T20 remains in 2 balls.
However, several records were broken in the T20 World Cup Asia Regional Qualifier match between Singapore and Mongolia. In the match, held in Bangi, Malaysia, Singapore won by 9 wickets with 115 balls to spare. While this was not a world record in terms of most balls remaining, it did make the list.
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Mongolia, batting first after losing the toss, were all out for 10 runs in 10 overs, which is now the lowest total in T20 history.
Though this is a joint-lowest record, as Isle of Man were also bowled out for 10 runs last year, losing to Spain, who won that match in just 2 balls. Mongolia's top scorers were two players with 2 runs each, while four players managed 1 run each. The remaining 2 runs came from extras. Five of Mongolia's batsmen were dismissed without scoring.
In reply, Singapore secured victory with a boundary and a six in just 5 balls, losing one wicket in the process. They won with 115 balls to spare, which is the second-highest win margin in T20 cricket history in terms of balls remaining. The top record is held by Spain, who defeated the Isle of Man with 118 balls to spare.
The collapse of Mongolia's innings was caused by Singapore's leg-spinner Harsha Vardvaj. He bowled 4 overs, with his first 2 overs being maidens. In his next 2 overs, he took 6 wickets for just 3 runs. This is the second-best bowling figure in international T20s. Malaysia's Syazrul Idrus holds the record for the best bowling figure in international T20s and recognised T20s, with 7 wickets for 8 runs.
