Druk Gladiators stun True Warriors in the opener 

In the opening match of Bhutan T20 Smash 2022, Druk Gladiators beat True Warriors by 69 runs at Jigmethang ground, Thimphu. 

True Warriors elected to field first after winning the toss. 

Druk Gladiators quick Thukten Yoezer gave the early break-through bowling out Vijay Sagar just the third ball into the first over. Thukten continued to trouble the opponent as he went on to claim his second wicket in the form of Aryan Verma caught by Tandin Needup at point. 

Saha Alom and Ashwani Tiwari fought back with 59 runs partnership for the third wicket before Saha Alom was caught by Yueyong Phuntsho in Soenam Jamtsho’s bowling. Soenam went on to get his second wicket and bowl out Ashwani Tiwari in the same over. 

However, the Gladiators captain Deepak Verma and Sajibul had better plans as both went on to punish the True Warriors bowlers for the drop catches and fielding errors and went on to add 105 runs for the fourth wicket. Sajibul Mai fired a blistering 50 of 26 balls (6X6s) before falling short of the crease for a run-out. Captain Deepak contributed important 35 runs before getting bowled out by Yueyong Phuntsho.

True Warriors speedster Thukten came back to bowl his final over and picked up his third wicket but it was Druk Gladiators who pocketed massive 221 runs in their 20 overs. 

True Warriors started poorly losing both their openers, Kinga Loday and Soenam Jamtsho and their main batsman Tarun at a total score of 37. 

Kezang Nima and Sanjay Pradhan tried to steer the sinking ship as they went on to add 59 runs stand for the fourth wicket before Sajibul was bowled out by Sanjay. It was all over when Kezang Nima (78 off 46 balls) was bowled by Noor Alan.