6,6,6,6,6,6: Kushal Bhurtel emulates Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard with six sixes in an over
A Historic Display of Power-Hitting
In a moment that will be etched into the annals of cricketing history, Nepal’s opening batter Kushal Bhurtel produced a stunning exhibition of clinical destruction during the Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier 2026. The right-handed dynamo etched his name alongside the game’s greatest hitters, as 6,6,6,6,6,6: Kushal Bhurtel emulates Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard with six sixes in an over against China, leaving fans and spectators in absolute awe.
The match, held at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Sunday, May 31, 2026, was always expected to be an intense encounter. However, few could have predicted the sheer magnitude of the onslaught that Bhurtel unleashed upon the Chinese bowling attack during the ninth over of Nepal’s innings.
The Over That Changed the Game
After China won the toss and elected to field, they likely hoped for early wickets to stem the flow of runs. Instead, they faced an unstoppable force. The unfortunate recipient of the carnage was bowler Chen Zhuo-yue. Bhurtel, timing the ball to perfection and displaying immense confidence, dispatched every legal delivery of the ninth over over the boundary ropes.
With 36 runs collected from that single over, the momentum of the game shifted entirely in favor of Nepal. Bhurtel’s ability to find the middle of the bat consistently ensured that the Chinese bowlers had no answer to his tactical and physical dominance. By the time the over concluded, Bhurtel had sprinted to 93 runs off just 31 deliveries, effectively breaking the spirit of the opposition.
An Elite Club of Power Hitters
By achieving this rare milestone, Bhurtel has cemented his place in an exclusive fraternity. The list of players who have smashed six sixes in a single over in men’s international cricket is incredibly short and includes legends such as Herschelle Gibbs, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Jaskaran Malhotra, and his compatriot, Dipendra Singh Airee. Notably, Nepal now holds the unique distinction of being the only country to have produced two cricketers who have achieved this feat in international competition, with Airee having done so against Qatar in 2024.
A Masterclass in T20I Batting
Bhurtel’s heroics did not end with the six consecutive sixes. He continued his rampage, eventually bringing up a century in just 35 balls—a speed that equals the fastest hundreds ever recorded by a Nepal batter. His final tally was an astonishing 129 runs off 43 balls, a knock that featured five fours and 16 massive sixes, played at a staggering strike rate of 300.00.
The entire Nepal batting lineup fed off his energy. Following his lead, Kushal Malla contributed a brilliant unbeaten 85 off 47 balls, while captain Rohit Paudel provided a late-innings flourish with a rapid-fire 69 off just 21 deliveries. This combined effort saw Nepal post a formidable total of 313/2, a score that underlines the nation’s rapid ascent and their dangerous reputation in the international T20I circuit.
Reflecting on the Rise of Nepal Cricket
The match statistics for China, while difficult, saw Deng Jinquing and Ma Qiancheng claim one wicket each, but the bowlers found themselves largely helpless against a side that was determined to dominate. This performance serves as a testament to the hard work and development occurring within the Nepal cricket structure.
As the international community continues to discuss this monumental achievement, one thing is certain: Kushal Bhurtel’s name will be whispered in conversations about great power-hitters for years to come. His ability to remain composed while executing high-risk shots under pressure showcases the evolution of modern cricket, where the limits of scoring are constantly being redefined by fearless athletes.
This performance at the Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier 2026 is more than just a statistical anomaly; it is a highlight of the current era of cricket, where records are meant to be broken and the entertainment value is at an all-time high. For Nepal, this is a moment of immense pride and a clear signal to the rest of the cricketing world that their team is a force to be reckoned with.
