Bahrain pacer claims second-best figures in men's T20I history: Details
What's the story
Ali Dawood, a 33-year-old pacer from Bahrain, has made history by recording the second-best bowling figures in men's T20I cricket. His incredible spell of 7/19 in four overs marked only the second instance of a bowler taking seven wickets in this shortest format of the game. The record was set during Bahrain's third match of a five-match T20I series against Bhutan in Gelephu.
Match performance
Dawood's impact in the match
In the match against Bhutan, Bahrain batted first and set a target of 161 runs. Dawood started his bowling spell in the third over and immediately made an impact by taking two important wickets. This left Bhutan struggling at 11/3. Despite a 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Dawood's late burst of wickets ended any hopes of a comeback for the hosts.
Historic achievement
Dawood's record-breaking spell
Dawood's historic spell saw him take three wickets in the 16th over and two more in his next over, completing a record seven-wicket haul. Bahrain eventually won the match by 35 runs. His figures of 7/19 now sit second on the list of best bowling figures in a T20I innings, just behind Malaysia's Syazrul Idrus, who recorded an incredible 7/8 against China during an ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier match.
Information
Dawood owns 96 T20I wickets
With this spell, Dawood has raced to 96 wickets from 64 T20Is at an average of 14.10. His economy rate is under six (5.96). The one against Bhutan was his maiden fifer as he also boasts three four-wicket hauls.