Nepal enjoyed a record-breaking day at the Asian Games on Wednesday as they became the first men's team to score more than 300 runs in a T20 international.
They bludgeoned 314-3 in their 20 overs against minnows Mongolia in Hangzhou, beating the previous highest of 278-3 by Afghanistan against Ireland in 2019.
Kushal Malla led the way as he hit the fastest T20 international century, off just 34 balls.
Malla beat the previous record held by South African David Miller, who did it in 35 balls against Bangladesh in 2017, and went on to finish on 137 not out off 50 balls. He smashed 12 sixes and eight fours.
Dipendra Singh Airee finished the innings by smashing eight sixes in an incredible innings of 52 from 10 balls. He posted the fastest T20 half-century, reaching the mark in just nine deliveries and eclipsing Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball 50 against England in 2007.
Nepal's batsmen made the most of extremely friendly conditions at the Zhejiang University for Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field and punished a weak attack.
Nepal's 26 sixes in the innings was also a record, beating Afghanistan's 22 against Ireland.
Mongolia's batsmen, as expected, struggled against their established opponents. The Mongolian women's team were bowled out for just 15 last week at the Asian Games and on Wednesday, it was the turn of the men's side to get bundled out for 41.
Nepal's winning margin of 273 runs was the biggest in terms of runs in a T20 international.
The serious mismatches are expected to continue over the coming weeks as more established teams like India and Pakistan prepare to take on weaker opposition on the uniquely small cricket ground for the Asian Games.
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India's Rohit Sharma, left, and Shubman Gill celebrate their win over Nepal. AFP -
All respect shown between the sides after the game. AFP -
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, on his way to a superb 74 not out. Getty -
Gulshan Jha of Nepal saves a boundary during the Asia Cup Group A match against India. Getty -
Indian fans wait as the play is interrupted by rain in Kandy. AP -
The ground staff cover up the pitch after rain stopped play. Getty -
Karan Khatri Chhetri of Nepal with an unsuccessful appeal against Rohit Sharma. Getty -
India's Hardik Pandya loses his balance after delivering a ball as Nepal's Sompal Kami watches. AP -
Nepal's Sompal Kami dives to save his wicket. AFP
