History made at T20 World Cup qualifier as seamer claims world record haul

Syazrul Ezat put up a sensational performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B 2023, registering a whopping seven wickets for just eight runs across four overs – a first in Men’s T20I history.

The sensational record-breaking spell unfolded at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday where Malaysia faced off against China.

Syazrul Ezat annihilated the Chinese lineup, contributing significantly to the team’s dismissal for just 23 runs in 11.2 overs. Notably, the Malaysian pacer rattled the stumps of all seven batsmen he dismissed.

? BREAKING: Syazrul Ezat sets the WORLD RECORD for best figures in Men’s T20Is!

Figures of 7-8 where all his wickets were bowled. Congratulations to Syazrul. An incredible, memorable performance ?? ?

?? 23 All Out (11.2)

Watch the chase ➡️ https://t.co/Ttu8Ghsbjl pic.twitter.com/EiZI7f1MR8

— Malaysia Cricket (@MalaysiaCricket) July 26, 2023

This historic event unravelled as China chose to bat first, a decision that saw them being brought to their knees by Ezat’s lethal bowling. Victims to his thunderous spell included Wei Guolei, Wang Liuyang, Tian Senqun, Chen Zhuoyue, Wang Qi, Xie Kunkun, and Zhao Tianle.

The remaining wickets were shared between Pavandeep Singh and Vijay Unni. In response, Malaysia quickly chased down the target in 4.5 overs, with only minor hiccups, securing a thumping victory.

Ezat’ record-shattering seven-fer outshone the previous record held by Nigeria’s Peter Aho, who managed six wickets for five runs against Sierra Leone in 2021.

With this achievement, Ezat now leads the chart for the best bowling figures in Men’s T20Is, followed by India’s Deepak Chahar (6/7), Dinesh Nakrani of Uganda (6/7), and Ajantha Mendis (6/8) from Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the win carries significant weight as the champion of this tournament will advance to the Asia Regional Qualifier in Nepal later this year. The top-performing teams from there will secure a spot in the T20 World Cup 2024.