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Bulgaria Stuns Cricket World with Fastest 200+ Run Chase in T20 History
Bulgaria Chases 244 in Just 14.2 Overs Against Gibraltar, Rewriting T20 Record Books
The cricketing world witnessed an extraordinary feat as Bulgaria chased down a massive 244-run target in just 14.2 overs against Gibraltar, registering the fastest successful 200-plus run chase in men’s T20 international history. This match, part of a tri-nation series involving Turkey, Bulgaria, and Gibraltar, delivered a record-breaking performance that sent shockwaves across global cricket.
Gibraltar Posts Huge Total, Bulgaria Responds with Brutal Assault
Fourth Clash of the Tri-Series Turns into Historic Contest
In what seemed like a winning total, Gibraltar posted 243/7 after batting first. The total was built on solid contributions from their top and middle order, with a flurry of boundaries and sixes pushing the score well past 200. However, Gibraltar’s celebration was short-lived as Bulgaria, considered the underdogs, launched an unrelenting counterattack.
Losing their captain Locov early (19 off 13 balls), Bulgaria found new momentum through Isa Zaroo and Milenm Goev. The pair combined for explosive contributions that quickly brought the run rate under control.
🔗 Read more on Bulgaria’s rising journey in European cricket
Manan Bashir’s 21-Ball Blitz Seals the Historic Chase
The highlight of the Bulgarian innings was Manan Bashir, who walked in at No. 4 and turned the game into a spectacle. Bashir smashed 70 runs off just 21 balls, registering a strike rate of 333.33, which included a flurry of boundaries and jaw-dropping sixes that decimated the Gibraltar bowling lineup.
Before him, Isa Zaroo’s 69 and Milenm Goev’s 69 off 27 balls set the foundation. Bashir’s late assault completed the job, as Bulgaria finished on 244/4 in just 14.2 overs, claiming the record for the highest run rate in a successful 200+ T20I chase.
Fastest Successful 200+ Run Chases in Men’s T20s
Here’s a look at the fastest successful chases in men’s T20 internationals and franchise cricket:
| Team | Opposition | Total | Overs | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | Gibraltar | 244/4 | 14.2 | 2025 |
| Serbia | Slovenia | 200/1 | 14.1 | 2025 |
| Punjab Kings | KKR | 262/2 | 18.4 | 2024 |
| Surrey | Middlesex | 221/1 | 16.0 | 2018 |
| South Africa | West Indies | 259/4 | 18.5 | 2023 |
Bulgaria’s effort has now surpassed Serbia’s previous record set just weeks ago, while the Punjab Kings’ high-voltage chase in IPL 2024 against KKR now ranks third.
Bulgaria’s Meteoric Rise in European Cricket
This historic chase not only earned Bulgaria a global record but also marked a massive milestone in their cricketing journey. Once considered minnows, Bulgaria has now proven their ability to compete and excel at the international level.
Their aggressive style of play, aided by power hitters and fearless intent, has transformed them into one of the most exciting emerging teams in Europe.
