Nabil sets T20I world record against Mali

A historic day for cricket unfolded in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier witnessed a series of unprecedented performances.

Botswana’s pace bowler Nabil Master etched his name into the record books by delivering the most economical six-wicket haul in the history of Men’s T20 International (T20I) cricket during a dominant victory over Mali.

Nabil Master achieved the feat by claiming 6 wickets for just 2 runs in a brief but devastating spell of 2.4 overs.

This performance establishes a new global benchmark for the fewest runs conceded while taking at least six wickets in a Men’s T20I match.

Prior to this match, the record for the most economical bowling figure involving five or more wickets was held by Singapore’s leg-spinner Harsha Bharadwaj.

In September 2024, Bharadwaj took 5 wickets for 3 runs against Mongolia.

By conceding only two runs and bowling one maiden, Master has surpassed that mark of efficiency.

Master’s contribution began in the sixth over of the Malian innings, which he commenced with a maiden.

By the time he returned for his second over in the eighth, Mali had struggled to reach 18 for 4.

Mali was subsequently bowled out for a mere 25 runs in 9.4 overs.

In response, Botswana chased down the target in just 2.2 overs without losing a wicket, securing a comprehensive 10-wicket victory.