Mongolia bowled out for 10 by Singapore to register second-lowest total in T20I history

WEB DESK: Mongolia’s national team was recently dismissed for just 10 runs in a T20 International match against Singapore, setting a new record for the second-lowest total ever in men’s T20I cricket. This new low matches the previous record set by the Isle of Man against Spain last year.

The match, part of the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A in Bangi, saw Mongolia’s batting lineup crumble spectacularly. Just a few months prior, Mongolia had been bowled out for 12 against Japan, marking the second-lowest total in T20I history at that time. However, their latest performance has now set a new benchmark for futility.

Singapore’s 17-year-old leg-spinner, Harsha Bharadwaj, was the main architect of Mongolia’s downfall. Bharadwaj delivered a stunning spell, taking six wickets for just three runs in his four-over stint, the second-best bowling figures ever recorded in a men’s T20I. His spell included two wickets in the very first over.

Mongolia’s innings lasted only 10 overs, with three of those being maidens. The team’s struggle was evident as five batters were dismissed without scoring. The longest partnerships in the innings, for the fourth and last wickets, each lasted just 11 balls.

In response, Singapore chased down the 11-run target swiftly. Despite losing a wicket on the first ball, they reached their goal in just five deliveries. Raoul Sharma hit a six off his first ball, and William Simpson sealed the victory with a four, wrapping up the match with 115 balls to spare.

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Singapore now holds three of the four lowest totals in men’s T20Is, all occurring in 2024. Their previous low of 12 against Japan earlier this year now seems almost respectable compared to this latest performance.