Lotus Cup 2026
Bhutan Women’s Team Stuns Malaysia in the Lotus Cup 2026
In a moment that will be remembered for years in Bhutanese cricket lore, Bhutan Women pulled off an extraordinary victory against Malaysia Women in the opening match of the Lotus Cup Women’s T20I Tri‑Series at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground today. In a game filled with drama, fierce competition and a nail‑biting finish, Bhutan chased down a modest target of 99, finishing on 100/7 with just four balls to spare, to win by 3 wickets marking their first ever T20I victory over Malaysia and a historic first win on home soil.
Malaysia had posted 98/8 in their 20 overs, setting a total that looked defendable but slipped through their grasp thanks to disciplined bowling and an unrelenting chase by the home side. What made this result even more remarkable was the context: according to the latest ICC Women’s T20I team rankings, Malaysia sits well ahead of Bhutan in world standings, with Malaysia placed higher in the global list while Bhutan remains newer to the international circuit.
From the outset, this match hinted at something special for the hosts. Malaysia’s innings struggled to find momentum as Bhutan’s bowlers applied relentless pressure. Skipper Anju Gurung was outstanding, not just with bat but with ball, finishing with figures of 2–10 and earning Player of the Match honors for her all‑round effort.
Mid‑innings, it was Tshering Zangmo’s crucial breakthroughs that shifted the balance back to Bhutan, scalping two pivotal wickets around the 12th over and disrupting Malaysia’s hopes of a big total. The bowling display was backed by smart fielding and calm execution under pressure a collective performance that kept Malaysia under 100, something the visitors will rue in hindsight.
The chase was far from a straightforward walk in the park. Ngawang Choden anchored the Bhutan innings with a patient 27 off 28 balls, threading singles and finding boundaries when needed to keep the run‑rate in check. Sonam Choden (20 off 28) and Anju Gurung (15 off 18) contributed crucial runs that kept Bhutan in the hunt even as Malaysia’s bowlers struck wisely.
But it was the final over that delivered the fireworks. With the equation needing 4 runs from 6 balls, the tension in the stadium was palpable. And when Ritshi Choden smashed the boundary that sealed the win, the Gelephu crowd erupted in an unforgettable celebration, a witness to how precious this victory feels for Bhutan cricket.
Yet, while the result belongs to Bhutan today, credit must also go to Malaysia, who played good cricket, competed strongly in patches and never let the hosts get comfortable. Their batters and bowlers showed glimpses of fine skill, and though it wasn’t their day, they laid down a credible platform that belies the final result.
For Bhutan, this victory is more than fair points in a point table, it is a milestone that validates years of development and belief in women’s cricket at home. Never before have they toppled Malaysia in official T20I play, and to achieve that on home soil, with such drama and determination, injects fresh momentum into their campaign.
As the celebrations echo through Gelephu, the spotlight now swiftly shifts to the next fixture. Hong Kong, China make their debut in this Tri‑Series against Malaysia in the very next match that is tomorrow (21st Jan, 2026), a crucial encounter that offers Malaysia the chance to bounce back and Hong Kong the opportunity to stamp their own authority in the competition.
In a tournament already promising thrilling encounters, today’s result serves notice that this Lotus Cup 2026 will be remembered not just for its cricket, but for its stories of underdogs rising, battles fought till the last ball and the raw passion that makes this sport such a global phenomenon.