Lotus Cup 2026
Bhutan Women Make History Dramatic Win Against Malaysia on Home Soil
The Gelephu International Cricket Ground was buzzing today as Bhutan’s women’s cricket team opened the Lotus Cup 2026 Women’s T20I Tri-Series against Malaysia. In a match full of suspense and excitement, Bhutan edged out Malaysia by 3 wickets, recording their first-ever T20I win against Malaysia and their first home victory in history.
Bhutan won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off. Malaysia posted 98 for 8 in 20 overs. Captain Winifred Anne Duraisingam scored 26 runs, but key wickets at crucial moments kept the match balanced. The turning point came when Riya Pradhan dismissed the Malaysian captain caught and bowled, swinging momentum in Bhutan’s favor.
Anju Gurung led the bowling attack with precision, finishing with 4 overs, 2 wickets for 19 runs, and earning Player of the Match. Her disciplined performance put pressure on Malaysia and set up a tense chase.
Bhutan’s innings began nervously. Karma Dema was out for a duck in the first over, bowled by Ainna H. But the batters stayed composed. Singles were taken carefully, boundaries came at the right moments, and the tension built steadily toward the final overs.
The climax came in the 19th over. At 19.1, Sonam S managed a single to inch Bhutan closer. Then at 19.2 overs, Ritshi Choden sent the ball racing to the boundary. The crowd erupted as players ran onto the field, hugging, jumping, and celebrating. Tears, laughter, and cheers filled the stands. Bhutan had made history, beating Malaysia on home soil for the first time.
The match had everything: sixes, crucial wickets, and unrelenting crowd energy. Bhutan’s women showed skill, strategy, and nerves of steel, giving fans a moment to remember. Gelephu will remember this night for a long time as the beginning of a new era for Bhutanese women’s cricket.
