Sonam Yeshey Becomes First Bowler in T20 History to Take Eight Wickets

Sonam Yeshey Becomes First Bowler in T20
History to Take Eight Wickets

Bhutan has always been a small nation with big dreams, and on December 26th, 2025, one young man turned those dreams into reality. Sonam Yeshey, a 22-year-old left-arm spinner, achieved something no Bhutanese cricketer had ever done before. He took eight wickets for just seven runs in four overs, including a maiden, dismantling Myanmar’s batting lineup and putting Bhutan firmly on the global cricket map.

When we asked Sonam whether the morning of the match felt like any other day, his answer sent shivers down our spines. He told us that before the record-breaking game, his mind kept replaying the first two matches against Myanmar. Even though he had earned Man of the Match in his debut, he felt he hadn’t given his best. That night, he dreamt of taking five wickets, something he had never done before. When he woke up the next morning, he felt a quiet, positive energy inside him. He knew something might happen, but he never imagined he would make a world record. “When it happened, I felt truly blessed,” he said softly. “I’m still just a boy who grew up dreaming with a cricket ball in my hand, and that morning I got to live one of the most beautiful moments of my life.”

Dreams are not measured by the size of the stage, but by the courage to take every step, even when the world seems small. Believe, work, and the impossible will find you.

The match itself was unforgettable. Sonam bowled with a calm focus that came from years of practice, sacrifice, and determination. Each ball carried the weight of every early morning, every lonely hour of training, and every setback he had ever faced. Among the eight wickets, the fourth stands out in his memory. On his captain’s suggestion, he placed a slip, and that decision led to a crucial dismissal that shifted the momentum of the game. After taking the eighth wicket, the first thought that crossed his mind was Aup Geynen. “His blessings guided me that day,” Sonam said. “It felt like all the support, faith, and prayers were right there with me.”

Sonam’s journey to that historic day was not easy. There were times he almost gave up cricket entirely. Injuries, self-doubt, and the pressure to perform weighed heavily on him. “I questioned myself so many times,” he admitted. “I wondered if I was really good enough. But my mother reminded me, ‘This is what you love. Keep giving effort, and the fruits will come. Don’t give up.’ Her words pulled me through every setback.”

He also spoke about the sacrifices no one sees. “People see the celebrations on the field, but they don’t see the lonely hours of practice, the early mornings, the birthdays missed, and the pain after failures. That is where the real work happens.”

His achievement is not his alone. Sonam spoke with deep gratitude about the people who supported him along the way. He thanked Dasho Thinley, President of Bhutan Cricket, for guiding and supporting players like family, Mr. Damber Singh, CEO, for professionalizing cricket in Bhutan, and Captain Thinley Jamtsho, who trusted him and gave him opportunities.

He also recognized coaches and staff across Bhutan, whose dedication nurtures the future of the sport. “Every time I wear Bhutan on my chest,” he said, “I feel the hopes and dreams of thousands of people. This record belongs to my team, to my country, and to everyone who has been part of my journey.”

Sonam’s message to young athletes and dreamers is simple but powerful. “Never give up. Face challenges head-on. Work hard, fail, learn, and try again. The results will come, often when you least expect them. Keep believing in yourself and keep pursuing what you love.”

When asked what this record means to him, his eyes lit up with determination. “This is not the end. It is a new beginning. I want Bhutan cricket to rise internationally. I want to inspire the next generation and continue living the dream I’ve held since I was a boy with a cricket ball. We can achieve great things, no matter where we come from.”

Every setback, every early morning, every lonely hour is shaping the champion inside you. Keep going, because the moment you persist is the moment history is made.

Sonam Yeshey’s journey is not just about cricket or a world record. It is about courage, faith, and relentless effort. From a boy practicing alone in Bhutan to making history on the global stage, he has shown that no dream is too big, no nation too small, and no challenge insurmountable.

He is now more than a cricketer. He is a symbol of Bhutanese pride, perseverance, and possibility. His story reminds us that with heart, determination, and belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Sonam Yeshey’s name will now be remembered not just for eight wickets or a record, but for showing the world what it means to dream, to work, and to believe. His journey has inspired a nation, and it continues to inspire anyone who dares to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.

Eight wickets for seven runs, including a maiden over in four overs. The first Bhutanese ever to set a T20 world record. A boy with a cricket ball in his hand who made history.