In a recent spectacular display of cricket, 19-year-old batter from Nepal, Kushal Malla, broke records during the Asian Games opener of 2023 against Mongolia by scoring a T20 International century in a mere 34 deliveries. This remarkable achievement surpassed previous records held by cricket giants – India’s Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s David Miller – both of whom accomplished this feat in 35 balls.
Kushal’s stellar performance included hitting eight boundaries and a remarkable twelve sixes, concluding his game with an unbeaten score of 137 runs off just 50 balls. However, he wasn’t alone in making this match memorable and record-breaking. His teammate, Dipendra Singh, also showcased extraordinary skills, scoring a half-century in just nine balls. This swift fifty broke the earlier record set by the acclaimed Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh during the 2007 World Cup.
But the records didn’t stop there. The Nepal team as a whole displayed formidable performance, achieving a score of 314/3 in their 20 overs. This made them the first-ever team in the history of T20I cricket to surpass a total score of 300 runs. When it was Mongolia’s turn to bat, they were swiftly bowled out for a paltry score of 41 in the fourteenth over. This resulted in Nepal not only winning the match but also setting a new record for the largest margin of victory in T20Is, with an incredible 273 runs.
This powerful victory virtually guarantees Nepal’s progression from Group A to the quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2023, even though they still have another group stage game pending against the Maldives.
Taking a closer look at Kushal Malla’s burgeoning career, it is evident that this young cricketer is a rising star in the world of international cricket. Making his debut at the tender age of 15, Kushal has consistently shown promise and talent beyond his years. In an ODI against the USA, he scored a fifty, thus setting the record as the youngest male player to score a half-century in an international match.
Despite his youthful age, Malla’s performance in the Asia Cup was not as impressive, with meager scores against heavyweights Pakistan and India. However, looking at his career statistics, it’s evident that these were just minor hiccups in an otherwise promising career. With an average of 35.55 and a striking rate above 180 in sixteen T20I games, coupled with taking six wickets at an average of 20.16, Kushal has indeed made a mark.
Moreover, in the 29 ODIs he has participated in, he has maintained a commendable average score above 25 with a strike rate over 100. This left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has not only proven his mettle with the bat but has also been effective with the ball, taking 18 wickets in ODIs so far.
It’s also important to note that he achieved a half-century in the Nepal Tri-Nation Series’ final against the Netherlands, making him the youngest to record a fifty in T20 Internationals. With a career that started off so brightly and continues to shine, the future indeed looks promising for this young Nepali cricketer.
Each game he plays is a testament to his commitment and passion for the sport, and with each match, he continues to hone his skills and contribute significantly to his team’s success. Cricket enthusiasts and experts are watching closely as Kushal Malla continues to grow and make his presence felt in the international cricket arena. With many more years of cricket ahead of him, the cricketing world can expect to witness many more record-breaking performances from this young talent.
