11th Board Meeting
The 11th Board Meeting of Bhutan Cricket was held on Friday (July 23) at Phuntsho Pelri Hotel, Thimphu.Chaired by the President, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, the Board Members, CEO and head office staffs made their presence for the meeting.Various agendas like forming of various selection committees for the national teams, restructuring of domestic competitions, RAMA ground development plan and many other development plans were discussed.The President also suggested to create a fund raising called the ‘national team support fund’ that would benefit the national players and activities related to he national teams.Considering the importance of the coaches and future cricketers, coaches development programs including coaches cash incentives and identifying skilful coaches were also discussed.Further, cash incentives for international event representation were also discussed.
Thimphu Knights storm into the Finals
Thimphu Knights beat SKD All Stars by six wickets to book a place in the finals of the ongoing Bhutan T20 Smash 2022. SKD All Stars and Thimphu Knights faced each other in the qualifier one match having ranked number one and two teams respectively after the completion of the league rounds and the winner by rule going directly to the finals. SKD All Stars had a dreadful start losing opener Tandin Penjor for a duck in the second over by Tandin Wangchuk. The other opener Khendrup Jangchub Dorji who was sent back to the pavilion as he was caught by Suprit Pradhan off Suman Pradhans bowling in the third over. SKD’s Jigme Wangchuk and Yowon Pradhan slowly started to build a partnership as the two added 44 for the third wicket before Jigme Wangchuk was run out from a lightning direct throw to the stumps by Suprit Pradhan. Suprit Pradhan followed up his fielding with wicket of Sherub Jamtsho in the next over as he was caught deep by Barun Wakhley. Yowon Pradhan on the other side was the lone batsman who made a valuable contribution of 43 runs off 28 balls before he was beaten by a “slow in air” ball bowled brilliantly by Suman Pradhan. Suprit Pradhan went on to pick his second wicket that of Sanjeevan Raj to give Knights their sixth wicket. It seemed like a comfortable score to chase down at this point for the Knight’s, before SKD All Stars skipper Jigme N Dorji walked in late to play a cameo of innings hitting 49 runs off just 21 balls which included seven boundaries and two sixers to give his team a respectable total of 157 runs. In the second innings, Thimphu Knights also had probably the worst start losing openers Tandin Wangchuk and Pasa Wangdi before the third over with only 14 runs on the scorecard. However, skipper Sanjog Chhetri and Suprit Pradhan had better intentions and execution as the two put up a team record of 113 runs partnership for the third wicket. Suprit Pradhan went on to score 71 runs off 32 balls (9x4s, 4x6s) before he was bowled in the 11th over by Jigdrel Wangchuk. Skipper Sanjog Chhetri scored valuable 35 runs off 26 balls before he was caught by Yowon Pradhan off Jigdrel Wangchuk in the 13th over. The damage was already done through the brilliant partnership before Suman Pradhan and Chirag Sharma did the ‘icing on the cake’ with 33 runs partnership with 14 balls left in the innings to give Knights an easy six wickets win and be the first team to reach the finals. The Knights will face the winner of qualifier two match which will be played between True Warriors and SKD All Stars this coming Saturday.
Bhutan beat Thailand by six wickets
Bhutan beat Thailand by six wickets just now at the ongoing Quadrangular Series in Malaysia.
Bhutan beat Maldives by six runs
In what was one of the best matches between two associate members in the words of the commentators, Bhutan defeated Maldives by six runs to register their first win of the ongoing quadrangular series yesterday at the YSD-UKM Oval, Malaysia. With the win over Maldives, Bhutan also created history as they registered their first international T20 win. Bhutan will look to continue the momentum as they take on Thailand in the next match and a win against Thailand will keep Bhutan’s hope alive for the finals. Having started poorly losing by 155 runs to host Malaysia in the opening match of the tournament, Bhutan came close to overcoming Malaysia in the second match-up, however, losing by 39 runs. Bhutan was on the verge of reaching the historic feet earlier as the tournament favorite Malaysia were put in a rabbit hole situation in their second match-up. Bhutan was all-over Malaysia picking up eight wickets for just 51 runs after 10 overs. The host however, managed to extricate themselves through their bowling effort and beat Bhutan by 39 runs to take 2-0 lead. Speaking to Bhutan Cricket in-house media, team Captain Jigme Singye expressed his joy and excitement for the win and how the team is feeling in the dugout. “We should have won against Malaysia earlier as well, however, the boys are coming back stronger with every match,” he said. “The younger players are stepping up which is a great sign for Bhutan cricket and the future of Bhutan cricket,” he added. Namgay Thinley was adjudged the player of the match for his outstanding display with both bat and bowl. Bhutan takes on Thailand tomorrow in the morning match at the same venue.
Bhutan Senior men’s ready for first Quadrangular Series
The Bhutan senior men’s team will make their first international tournament appearance after three years as they prepare to participate in the first ever quadrangular series beginning from July 2 to 13, 2022. The last time the men’s team played was back in 2019 when Bhutan U-23 participated in the SAFF games in Nepal. The four-nation series featuring Bhutan, Thailand, Maldives and host Malaysia will begin from July 2 to July 13, 2022. The team will be led by long standing Captain Jigme Singye and his senior counterpart Thinley Jamtsho will be the Vice Captain. It will also be the first international tournament outing for National coach Trishane Nonis after his appointment as the national coach. The team will travel to Malaysia tomorrow and drive to Johor and play two practice matches before returning to capital Kuala Lumpur for the tournament. #asiancricketcouncil#bhutancricket#cricketbhutan #ICC#drukair#malaysiacricketassociation
Bhutan Cricket 11th Annual General Meeting
The 11th annual general meeting (AGM) of Bhutan Cricket was held at Zhingkham Resort, Punakha on 28th May, 2022.The CEO, Board member representative Mr. Tshering Tashi, district coaches, district coordinators and other employees of the head office made the attendance. In the opening statement, CEO Damber Gurung began by congratulating the rest of the employees for their hard work and for the progress cricket has been making over the years.Various issues pertaining to the development of cricket in the country was thrashed out in the meeting.
Collaboration between Bhutan Cricket and Bhutan Shooting Federation
Bhutan Cricket and Bhutan Shooting Federation (BSF) signed a ‘one of a kind’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) conference hall, Thimphu today. The MoU signing is being endorsed by the BOC. The MoU will allow the two sports federations to work together whereby complimenting each other in creating platform for both federations to grow together. The signing was initiated in the presence of the Secretary General of BOC, Sonam Karma Tshering, President of Bhutan Cricket Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, President of BSF, Colonel Jambay and representatives from respective federations. The main motive behind the MoU is to collaborate and jointly develop the Centre of Excellence at Rama land, Thimphu for the development of both the sports. Speaking during the event, Colonel Jambay Dorji said that the signing of the particular MoU will help both the sports federations in many ways. “It will benefit both the sports and in other ways help youth engagement and thereby in producing productive citizens.” According to the President of Bhutan Cricket the signing of the MoU marks as one of the most important one as it is also first of a kind collaboration between two sport bodies. He said, “Huge part of this fruitful event goes to the support bestowed from the President of BOC, HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck.” Thinley Wangchuk Dorji assured support of all kind for the success of the project. “This is a well-thought project and exciting times are ahead of us and with continued support from BOC, we will set this project as an example and showcase great partnership,” he added. “This is great initiative and collaboration between the two sports body,” said SG of BOC, Sonam Karma Tshering. He said that such collaboration is what BOC wants to see and support. “Such collaboration will only set good trend and example of working together.” “It will benefit both federations and projects like this are a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
Impressive all the way
It has been nothing short than a superb display of cricket by the 27-year old Bhutanese cricketer Anju Gurung at the inaugural FairBreak Global Invitational tournament which just ended in Dubai. Bhutan senior women’s vice-captain Anju Gurung was the only player selected from Bhutan for the tournament and she left quite an impression throughout the two-week long tournament even so by making it to the team of the tournament. Anju Gurung was picked by the management of team Falcons and straight away made it to the playing 11 thereafter featured in all the matches of the tournament. Anju’s impressive run in the tournament ended with a overall economy of 7.16 from 7 matches had best figure of 2 for 26. The Australian coach of the Falcons, Joanne Broadbent was also left with full admiration for the Bhutanese left arm pacer. Speaking to the tournament press Joanne Broadbent said, “Anju has been bowling so well for us through the tournament.” Captain Suzie Bates also didn’t shy away from showering praises for the Bhutanese speedster at the post-match presentation after the finals. “To see Anju bowl the way she did the whole tournament and to play against some of the big names in world cricket and getting that confidence up was one of the highlights of the tournament’s impressive” The President of Bhutan Cricket, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji was all praise for Bhutan’s latest cricket sensation. President Thinley Wangchuk Dorji went on to thank the FairBreak Global for giving Anju Gurung the golden opportunity to participate in the historic maiden tournament. Speaking to the in-house media, he said, “This tournament presented Anju a massive platform to play cricket with the very best in the world. It was certainly a revelation for Anju playing, training and learning amongst the cricketing greats. Anju’s performance in the tournament was nothing short of outstanding.” “This exposure to international cricket at the highest level will no doubt have a huge impact on her both as cricketer and as a person moving forward. It may also present a window of opportunity for other Bhutanese cricketers in the future,” he added. “The tournament viewed by millions internationally through 11 broadcasters also catapulted Bhutan and Bhutan Cricket (an associate member country) onto the cricketing world. Bhutan Cricket would like to thank Anju Gurung for being an excellent ambassador for Bhutan with her stellar performances both on and off the field.” Anju Gurung continued to perform in every match in the tournament, however, her top contribution came during the semi-finals against team Spirits when she took two crucial opening wickets that of Scottish international Sarah Bryce and Thailand’s Natthankan Chantham and giving away only 26 runs from her 4 overs which proved to be the match winning moment. Anju Gurung’s other top performances came in the 12th match of the tournament when Falcons played the Sapphires. Bowling against the likes of Sapphires international top batswoman like Elyse Villani, Grace Harris and Babette de Leede. Anju got the best of all giving away only 15 runs from 4 overs. During the 14th match of the tournament against the tournament winner team Tornadoes. The Falcons fell short losing by seven wickets, however, Anju ended wicket-less but giving away only 22 runs from her 4 overs. Anju Gurung presented a souvenir to captain Suzie Bates One of the best experiences according to Anju was to bowl against Spirits and world’s number five batswoman also the number world number one all-rounder Sophie Devine from New Zealand. Anju said, “I knew how big of a player Sophie is and to bowl against her and to keep her away from scoring runs of my ball in itself was a big thing for me.” “I will treasure the moment of sharing the same dressing room as Suzie Bates, Danni Wyatt, Marizanne Kapp and ChamariAthapathathu,” she said. “These guys are world class players and I consider myself lucky to be sharing the same dressing room and got to learn a lot from them. The Falcons captain Suzie Bates is currently the world number seven T20 batswoman and Chamari Athapaththu the 8th world best all-rounder. In action against the Warriors Anju Gurung will be back to Bhutan and join her fellow national team mates to prepare themselves for the upcoming ACC women T20 championship which will be held from June 15, 2022 in Malaysia. The CEO of Bhutan Cricket, Damber Gurug also showered his appreciation for the left armer. Damber Gurung said, “Her performances at the FairBreak was exceptional and I am sure that this experience will help her and Bhutan cricket in general in moving ahead.” “Through the course of Anju playing at the tournament our other national players will also understand the standard of game and players at that level, he said. “Our other potential national players will also now look into getting entry and play in FairBreak and other international tournaments hereafter.” The next edition of the FairBreak Invitational tournament will be back to the actual host nation Hong Kong in March next year.
Gearing up for ACC T20 Championship
Gearing up for ACC T20 ChampionshipThe Bhutan senior women cricketers are back in the nets to prepare for the ACC T20 Championship to be held in Malaysia from mid of June, 2022.The selected team list will be released soon. Following is the tournament group table