Bhutanese bowler Ritshi Choden made history on May 15, 2024, by becoming the first woman cricketer to achieve a five-wicket haul in a Twenty20 International (T20I) match against an Indian side. This significant achievement occurred during the ACC Women's Premier Cup semi-final at the UKM-YSD Cricket Oval in Bangi, Malaysia. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), serving as the tournament host, later issued an apology after Choden's landmark performance was initially misreported on the official scoreboard.

Choden delivered an exceptional bowling spell against India A, claiming five wickets for just 13 runs from her full quota of four overs. This individual brilliance helped restrict the formidable Indian batting lineup. Despite her standout effort, Bhutan was unable to secure a victory in the semi-final match. The true scale of her achievement gained further prominence following the rectification of the initial scoreboard error.

The Cricket Association of Nepal addressed the discrepancy publicly through its official social media channels. The statement acknowledged that Choden's bowling figures were erroneously displayed as three wickets, confirming the correction to her actual five-wicket haul. This prompt correction and apology by CAN highlighted the importance of accurate live scoring and official record-keeping in international sporting events, ensuring player milestones are correctly recognized.

  • Key Details of Choden's Historic Performance:
    • Opponent: India A (participating as India's representative team in the ACC Women's Premier Cup)
    • Bowling Figures: 4 overs, 0 maidens, 13 runs conceded, 5 wickets taken
    • Venue: UKM-YSD Cricket Oval, Bangi, Malaysia
    • Date of Match: May 15, 2024
    • Tournament Context: Semi-final of the ACC Women's Premier Cup

Choden's feat is a momentous occasion for Bhutanese cricket, particularly within the women's game. Achieving such a dominant bowling performance against a team representing a global cricketing powerhouse like India underscores the rising talent and competitive growth observed in associate cricketing nations. This accomplishment places her name in an exclusive category of elite T20I bowling performances, regardless of the match outcome.

The incident brought temporary attention to the operational accuracy of live scoring systems and official documentation during major international tournaments. CAN's decisive action in issuing a public apology and correcting the record demonstrated an organizational commitment to integrity and the proper recognition of athletic achievements. The corrected official record now firmly establishes Ritshi Choden's place in cricketing history for this pioneering accomplishment. Her performance not only served as a highlight for her team and nation in the ACC Women's Premier Cup but also set a new benchmark for individual excellence in women's T20I cricket against Indian opposition.