Nepal recorded their second 300-plus total in T20I cricket as Kushal Bhurtel's explosive century and six sixes in an over helped seal a dominant victory over China in Singapore.

Nepal produced another record-breaking batting display in T20 International cricket, posting their second-ever 300-plus total before crushing China by 221 runs in the Asian Games cricket qualifier held at the National Cricket Stadium in Singapore on Sunday.

The emphatic win was driven by opener Kushal Bhurtel, who smashed a breathtaking 129 off just 43 deliveries and was named Player of the Match. His innings helped Nepal pile up 313 for 2 in 20 overs after China opted to field first following the toss.

Bhurtel Leads Batting Blitz

The match quickly turned into a showcase of Nepal's batting strength. Bhurtel dominated from the outset, taking apart the Chinese bowling attack with a series of towering hits across the ground.

The defining moment came in the ninth over when he struck six consecutive sixes off bowler Joyu Chen. Although a wide delivery interrupted the sequence statistically within the over, Bhurtel cleared the boundary with every legal ball he faced. The over yielded 37 runs and shifted the game completely in Nepal's favour.

His knock featured an astonishing 16 sixes, underlining one of the most destructive innings seen in T20I cricket in recent years.

Fastest Century Milestone

Bhurtel reached his century in just 35 balls, placing him among the fastest century-makers in T20 International history. The effort equalled the record set by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who had also reached a T20I hundred in 35 deliveries against Sri Lanka.

The Nepal opener's innings further highlighted the growing reputation of the national side as one of the most aggressive batting units among Associate nations.

Nepal's Second 300-Plus Score

The 313-run total became Nepal's second-highest score in T20I cricket. Their highest remains 314 for 3 against Mongolia during the Asian Games cricket competition in September 2023.

Crossing the 300-run mark for the second time places Nepal in a small group of international teams capable of producing such massive totals in the shortest format.

The performance also reinforced the team's attacking approach, which has brought several batting records over the last few years.

China Struggle in Chase

Faced with a daunting target of 314, China never settled into the chase. Wickets fell regularly and the batting line-up struggled against Nepal's disciplined bowling attack.

China were eventually bowled out for 92 in 19.2 overs. Shenzian Zheng offered the only significant resistance, scoring 31 runs from 15 balls. Beyond his contribution, the batting unit failed to build partnerships, and four Chinese batters were dismissed without scoring.

The large target and early wickets ensured the contest remained one-sided throughout the second innings.

Among Biggest T20I Wins

The 221-run victory ranks among the largest winning margins in T20 International cricket. It is reported to be the seventh-biggest win by runs in the format's history.

The overall record continues to belong to Zimbabwe, who defeated Gambia by 290 runs in 2024 in one of the most dominant performances seen in international T20 cricket.

Growing Strength of Nepal Cricket

Nepal's latest achievement reflects the rapid progress of the country's cricket programme. Strong performances in regional tournaments and ICC events have helped the side gain greater recognition on the international stage.

With players such as Kushal Bhurtel consistently delivering match-winning performances, Nepal continue to establish themselves as a competitive force in Associate cricket. The team's ability to produce another 300-plus total will further strengthen confidence ahead of upcoming international assignments.

The result also keeps Nepal's momentum intact in the Asian Games qualifying competition, while China will look to regroup after a difficult outing against one of the format's most explosive batting sides.

Sher Malla’s Indian Connection Makes Global Headlines

Sher Malla’s Indian connection has become a proud talking point after the young Nepal spinner created history in the T20 World Cup 2026. Making his international debut against England at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on February 8, Malla took a wicket on the very first ball of his career in international cricket.

Though Nepal narrowly lost the thrilling contest by four runs, the 19-year-old spinner’s remarkable debut performance has sparked celebrations not only in Nepal but also in Ludhiana, India — where his cricket journey began.

From Ludhiana School to World Cup Stage

Sher Bahadur Malla studied at the Government Senior Secondary Model School, PAU (Punjab Agricultural University), in Ludhiana from Class 6 to 10. His father worked as a security guard in a mall in the city and enrolled him in the government school.

It was here that his cricketing foundation was laid.

Under the guidance of Coach Anil Kumar, Malla trained rigorously for nearly five years. According to his coach, his talent was evident from the beginning:

 Reached State Level Under-14 in his first year

 Played Under-16 State Level the following year

 Competed at Under-19 State Level and was selected for a National Camp

After completing Class 10 in 2019, Malla moved to Nepal. The COVID-19 pandemic followed soon after, but the setback didn’t slow him down. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Rising Star in Nepal Cricket Team

Back in Nepal, Sher Malla quickly made his mark in domestic cricket. He played for Janakpur Bolts in the Nepal Premier League and was part of their title-winning campaign in 2024. In 2025, he joined Lumbini Lions, where he:

 Took 17 wickets in the season

 Became the highest wicket-taker

 Won the Emerging Player of the Tournament award

He also captained Nepal’s Under-19 B team and represented Sudurpaschim Province, showcasing leadership skills at a young age.

Historic Debut at T20 World Cup 2026

Sher Malla’s Indian connection added emotional depth to his debut in Mumbai. Facing England in Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener, he stunned the cricketing world by taking a wicket on his very first delivery.

He became only the second Nepali bowler to achieve this milestone — a feat previously accomplished by former captain Paras Khadka.

Malla finished with figures of 1 wicket for 35 runs in three overs. Despite Nepal falling short while chasing 184, losing by just four runs, the team won global praise for pushing England to the edge.

This near-victory echoes Nepal’s previous T20 World Cup heartbreak, where they lost to South Africa by just one run in the last edition.

Emotional Moment with Ludhiana School

After the match, Sher Malla spoke to his school principal, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Sharma, via video call. The principal called him the “star of PAU School” and promised him a grand welcome whenever he visits Ludhiana.

For the Ludhiana school community, Sher Malla’s Indian connection is a matter of immense pride — proof that grassroots training can produce international stars.

Why This Story Matters Now

With the T20 World Cup 2026 underway, stories like Sher Malla’s inspire young cricketers across South Asia. His journey highlights:

 The power of grassroots coaching

 Cross-border cricketing bonds between India and Nepal

 The rise of emerging cricket nations

Nepal’s next match is against Italy on February 12, and all eyes will be on the young spinner once again.

Sher Malla’s Indian connection is more than just a background detail — it is a reminder that talent nurtured at the school level can shine on the world’s biggest stage.