Kushal Malla becomes world’s youngest batsman to score half-centuries in both T20 and ODI

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s batsman Kushal Malla has become the youngest batsman in the world to hit a half-century in a Twenty20 International. He set a world record by striking a half-century against the Netherlands in the final of the triangular series yesterday.

Kushal was 17 years 50 days old when the left-handed batsman hit a half-century off 24 balls. Earlier, the record was held by Ugandan batsman Frank Akankwasa. He was 17 years and 52 days old when he struck a half-century against Qatar. Only 2 days later, Kushal has overtaken him. 

Nepal’s Sandeep Jora is at the third position in the list of youngest batsmen. Sandeep had scored a half-century at the age of 17 years and 103 days. 

Kushal also holds the record for the youngest batsman to hit a half-century in ODI cricket. He set the record in the World Cup League-2 match against the United States. He broke the record of Rohit Kumar Poudel of Nepal. Kushal was 15 years and 340 days old when he hit the half-century in February last year.