Lotus Cup 2026
Bhutan Women’s Cricket Journey Reaches New Peak with First-Ever T20I Final
Bhutan Women’s cricket was never a story that began with headlines. It began quietly, with a group of determined girls learning the game from the ground up, often with limited exposure and fewer opportunities than the teams they faced. In the early years, Bhutan entered tournaments as underdogs, playing with heart and courage, but still figuring out the rhythm of international cricket. The gap in experience showed itself in crucial moments, the pressure overs, the finishing phases, and the big partnerships. Yet even in those tough days, one thing was clear: Bhutan had players who were ready to fight for the badge.
As the years passed, the team began to evolve, and that evolution was driven by key individuals who grew alongside the programme. What once was a side competing for experience slowly became a side competing for results. The change did not happen overnight. It came through training, match exposure, and the gradual rise of players who understood that T20 cricket is not just about talent, it is about temperament, discipline, and delivering in moments that matter.
At the centre of Bhutan’s transformation has been the emergence of dependable match-winners with the bat. Earlier, Bhutan’s innings were often built on short bursts of scoring before wickets fell in clusters. But with time, batters developed the ability to absorb pressure and build an innings with purpose. Ngawang Choden represents this new era. Her growth has mirrored Bhutan’s growth, from chasing the game to controlling it. Calm, composed, and fearless when required, she has become the heartbeat of Bhutan’s batting unit, capable of anchoring chases and finishing matches with authority. In the Lotus Cup, her performances have not only brought runs, they have brought belief.
Alongside her, Tshering Zangmo has been one of Bhutan’s most important pillars, a proper all-rounder who brings balance and confidence to the side. As one of the main batters, she has consistently shouldered responsibility, providing stability at the top and the ability to shift gears when the situation demands. Her presence gives Bhutan a strong core, and her all-round impact has played a major role in shaping Bhutan into a more complete team.
That belief has been backed by a bowling unit that has grown sharper, smarter, and more disciplined with every series. Bhutan’s bowlers were always spirited, but international cricket demands control. Over time, bowlers like Sonam S developed into genuine weapons, not just containing runs, but creating pressure and taking wickets at the right time. Early strikes, tight middle overs, and the ability to break partnerships have now become part of Bhutan’s identity.
And then comes leadership, the factor that often separates a good team from a winning team. Under Captain Anju Gurung, Bhutan have developed a fearless mindset. This team now plays with clarity, unity, and confidence. They do not wait for the game to come to them, they take it on. Whether it is backing young players, setting aggressive fields, or holding nerve in pressure situations, the leadership has helped Bhutan grow into a side that believes it belongs on the big stage.
What makes Bhutan’s rise truly special is that it has not been carried by one player alone. Different matches have seen different heroes step up with bat, ball, and in the field. That is the strongest sign of evolution: depth. Bhutan are no longer a team hoping for a miracle performance. They are a team building performances.
Now, with Bhutan reaching their first ever T20 International final, this moment stands as more than a qualification. It is a reward for years of progress. It is proof that Bhutan Women’s cricket has moved from learning the game to leading games. From playing for experience to playing for history. The Dragon Daughters have not just reached a final, they have announced their arrival.