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KUALA LUMPUR – National cricketer Syazrul Ezat Idrus broke the world record and became the first player to achieve a seven-wicket haul in the men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) format today.
The 32-year-old’s incredible feat helped Malaysia secure a commanding win over China by eight wickets in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Asia Regional Qualifier B opening match at the Bayuemas Oval, Klang, near here.
According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) official website, though 12 bowlers had previously achieved six wickets, no one was able to break the duck until Syazrul’s feat taking seven wickets for eight runs.
Among others, Indian duo Deepak Chahar and Yuzvendra Chahal, Australia spinner Ashton Agar, and Sri Lanka tweaker Ajantha Mendis have reached six wickets previously.
Syazrul, who has taken 47 wickets in 23 matches in his T20I career, was later honoured as the player of the match.
“The right-armer took a liking to the conditions in Bayuemas as he single-handedly ripped through the Chinese batting line-up, picking up all seven of his wickets bowled as the visitors were dismissed for just 23 in the 12th over,” ICC stated.
Meanwhile, Pavandeep Singh took two wickets, while S. Vijay Unni claimed one to end China’s opening.
The Malaysian team, who later began the chase needing only a 24-run target to win, had a slow start after losing two quick wickets with just three runs.
However, Virandeep Singh was able to respond quickly with 19 runs, hitting a six and two fours to finish the match in 4.5 overs.
The hosts Malaysia will take on Bhutan tomorrow, followed by matches against Myanmar (Sunday) and Thailand (Tuesday), and only the winner will advance to the Asia Regional Final in Nepal in November.
The top two teams in Nepal will earn the tickets to the T20 World Cup to be held in the United States and West Indies next year. – Bernama, July 26, 2023