Kushal Malla, born on March 5, 2004, is a rising star in Nepalese cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and remarkable spin bowling, he has made waves in the cricketing world. One of his most notable achievements is becoming the fastest player to score a T20I century, accomplishing this feat in just 34 balls during the opening match of the 2022 Asian Games against Mongolia, surpassing the likes of David Miller, Rohit Sharma, and S Wickramasekara.
A Dynamic Career
Kushal’s journey in professional cricket began with promising selections in Nepal’s national squads. In September 2019, he was named in Nepal’s squad for the 2019–20 Singapore Tri-Nation Series and the 2019–20 Oman Pentangular Series. His T20I debut for Nepal came on September 27, 2019, against Zimbabwe in the Singapore Tri-Nation Series.
In January 2020, Kushal Malla was named in Nepal’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the 2020 Nepal Tri-Nation Series. His ODI debut against the United States on February 8, 2020, marked a historic moment. At the age of 15 years and 340 days, he became the youngest male cricketer to score an international half-century. Scoring an impressive 50 runs from 51 balls, Kushal demonstrated his prodigious talent.
A Record-Breaking Trailblazer
Kushal Malla’s knack for rewriting records continued. In April 2021, during the final of the 2020–21 Nepal Tri-Nation Series, he made an unbeaten 50, earning the distinction of being the youngest cricketer to score a half-century in a T20I match. His remarkable achievements continued to garner attention both nationally and internationally.
In April 2023, Kushal Malla achieved another significant milestone by scoring his first century in ODIs during a match against Oman. He reached his century in just 54 balls, making him the fastest Nepali player to achieve this feat. He joined an exclusive club of Nepali cricketers, including Paras Khadka, Kushal Bhurtel, and Dipendra Singh Airee, who have scored centuries in both T20Is and ODIs.
The T20I Century Record
Kushal Malla’s defining moment came in September 2023 when he became the fastest batsman in T20I cricket history to reach a century in just 34 balls. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record held by David Miller, Rohit Sharma, and S Wickramasekara, who reached a century in 35 balls. Malla’s exceptional performance also set a record for the most runs scored in a T20I innings without being the opener. He stands as the only T20I player in the world with a strike rate of over 185 and an average above 35.
Beyond Cricket
Despite his cricketing commitments, Kushal Malla has managed to focus on his education. He attended New Horizon School in Butwal, Rupandehi, from year 3 and currently attends Kshitiz International College on a full scholarship. His commitment to both his academics and cricket demonstrates his dedication to personal growth and excellence.
Personal Life
Kushal Malla resides in Chandragiri with his parents and is the only son in the family. His journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a record-breaking cricketer serves as an inspiration to aspiring talents in Nepal and around the world. Kushal Malla is undoubtedly a bright star in the future of Nepalese cricket, and his remarkable achievements continue to amaze and inspire fans worldwide.
