History made at T20 World Cup qualifier as seamer claims world record haul
Malaysia seamer Syazrul Ezat Idrus became the first player to take a seven-wicket haul in a Men's T20I.
Idrus completed the feat during the first match of the tournament when collecting the superb individual figures of 7/8 as Malaysia recorded a commanding eight-wicket victory over China at Bayuemas Oval.
🚨 BREAKING: Syazrul Ezat sets the WORLD RECORD for best figures in Men’s T20Is!
— Malaysia Cricket (@MalaysiaCricket) July 26, 2023
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
A total of 12 bowlers had previously claimed six-wicket hauls in a Men's T20I - including India duo Deepak Chahar and Yuzvendra Chahal, Australia spinner Ashton Agar and Sri Lanka tweaker Ajantha Mendis - but an elusive seven-wicket haul had never been recorded until Idrus' amazing effort.
The right-armer took a liking to the conditions in Pandamaran 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.
Malaysia lost two quick wickets in reply as they chased down the victory target in the fifth over, giving them the perfect start to the qualifying tournament they are hosting ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies next year.
The winner of this tournament will progress to the Asia Regional Final in Nepal in November, with the two leading teams from that event then making it through to the 20-over showcase in 2024.
No surprises here! Syazrul Ezat adjudged Player-of-the-match after his recording-breaking spell 🎯
— Malaysia Cricket (@MalaysiaCricket) July 26, 2023
He’s taken 47 wickets in 23 matches during his T20I career. Well done champ 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PQ0OREl9Mo