In a remarkable feat, Malaysian seamer Syazrul Ezat Idrus etched his name in the T20 cricket record books during the 2024 World Cup Qualifier tournament against China at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. The 32-year-old created history by becoming the first bowler to achieve a seven-wicket haul in a men’s T20 International.

Idrus delivered an outstanding performance, claiming jaw-dropping figures of seven wickets for just eight runs in his four overs. What makes his achievement even more extraordinary is that all seven of his victims were bowled out. This impressive display led to China being bundled out for a mere 23 runs in the 12th over of their innings.

Thanks to Idrus’s heroics, Malaysia secured a dominant eight-wicket victory with 15.1 overs to spare in the Asia Regional Qualifier B tournament.

Expressing his gratitude, Idrus credited his captain, Ahmad Faiz Noor, for entrusting him to bowl against China. He referred to the privilege of breaking the world record for the outstanding bowling performance.

The previous record was held by Nigerian Peter Aho, who achieved figures of six wickets for five runs against Sierra Leone in 2021. Among men’s T20 Internationals, India’s Deepak Chahar boasts the best figures of six wickets for seven runs against Bangladesh in 2019.

The winner of the tournament in Malaysia will progress to the Asia regional final in Nepal in November. The top two teams from that event will qualify for the 20-over showcase, which will be co-hosted by West Indies and the United States.