Thailand Open Men’s T20I Series
Back to Back Loss for Bhutan as Thailand Triumph by 60 Runs
Bhutan’s Senior Men’s National Team suffered a 60 run defeat to Thailand in their second league match of the Thailand Open Men’s T20I Series 2026.
Captain Austin Lazarus led from the front with a composed 64 off 53 deliveries, striking eight fours and two sixes. Akshay Yadav added 33 runs, while Mukesh Thakur provided a quick finish with 12 not out.
Bhutan’s bowlers fought hard to contain the scoring:
Ranjung Mikyo Dorji took 2 key wickets, including the dismissal of Lazarus.
Sonam Yeshey, Namgay Thinley, Tashi Phuntsho, and Thinley Jamtsho claimed one wicket each.
Notable moment: Gakul Kumar Ghalley pulled off a brilliant diving catch in the deep, keeping Thailand in check for a short period.
Despite these efforts, Thailand built crucial partnerships in the middle overs, posting a challenging total for Bhutan to chase.
Bhutan Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 141 runs in 20 overs, Bhutan’s innings never fully settled. Early dismissals saw three wickets fall inside the first three overs, immediately putting the batting unit under pressure.
Key contributions:
Gakul Kumar Ghalley: 25 off 27 balls, including 2 boundaries and a six
Sonam Yeshey: 13 not out
The middle and lower order were unable to form meaningful partnerships, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Bhutan were eventually bowled out for 80 in 17.1 overs.
Thailand’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings:
Mukesh Thakur: 2 wickets for 11 runs
Kamron Senamontree: 2 wickets for 16 runs
Nopphon Senamontree: 2 wickets for 18 runs
Phanuphong Thongsa: 2 wickets for 13 runs
Performance Review and Way Forward
Back-to-back defeats highlight areas requiring immediate attention. While individual performances have been encouraging, the team has struggled with consistency, particularly in constructing partnerships and capitalizing on key moments in the chase.
Bhutan Cricket acknowledges these challenges and is working closely with the coaching staff and players to:
Evaluate performances
Address tactical gaps
Strengthen execution under pressure
The focus now shifts to regrouping, responding with determination, and delivering improved performances in the remaining fixtures of the tournament. Bhutan will need to perform strongly in their next matches and hope for favorable results to stay in contention for the finals.
Match at a Glance
Thailand Innings – 140/6 (20 overs)
Austin Lazarus – 64 (53)
Akshay Yadav – 33
Mukesh Thakur – 12*
Bhutan Bowling Highlights
Ranjung Mikyo Dorji – 2 wickets
Sonam Yeshey – 1 wicket
Namgay Thinley – 1 wicket
Bhutan Innings – 80 all out (17.1 overs)
Gakul Kumar Ghalley – 25
Sonam Yeshey – 13*
Thailand Bowling Highlights
Mukesh Thakur – 2 wickets
Kamron Senamontree – 2 wickets
Nopphon Senamontree – 2 wickets
Phanuphong Thongsa – 2 wickets