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.
Knights beat Warriors by 7 wickets
Thimphu Knights consolidated their top four spot in the ongoing Bhutan T20 Smash 2022 defeating True Warrior’s by 7 wickets today at Jigmethang cricket ground, Thimphu. Knight’s opening pacer Barun Wakhley got the best of True Warrior’s opening batsman Soenam Jamtsho bowling him out for a duck with eight on the scorecard. Knight’s speedster Dawa trapped Warrior’s key batsman Kinga Loday for a leg before wicket (LBW) of his first bowl as Knights bagged their second. Sanjay Pradhan (23 off 22) and Manish (15 off 14) showed some resistance as they put on 32 runs partnership for the third wicket before Manish was bowled by Dawa for his second and Knights third wicket. Warrior’s all-rounder Kezang Nima failed to take the score ahead as he was bowled by Karma Dorji in the fourth over. Tarun Kumar fired quick 20 runs off 12 balls before Sanjog Chhetri came up with a brilliant stumping off Suman Pradhan’s bowling. On the other side Knight’s most experienced off-spinner gave nothing loose for the Warrior batsmen ending his spell of four overs giving just 12 runs and picking two wickets. Suman Pradhan picked up Warrior’s skipper Prashan Chhetri bowling him for his third wicket. Warrior’s tailender Yueyong Phuntsho accelerated the score with some big blows towards the end scoring 24 off 12 balls as they lost all 10 wickets for 143 runs. Knight’s started slow scoring 32 off 30 balls before opener Tandin Wangchuk was trapped infront off Thukten Yoezers bowling. Knight’s lost their other opener Pasa Wangdi in a mis-led run out with 55 on the scoreboard. Suman Pradhan was bowled in the same over by Kezang Nima giving Knight’s some sort of worry as they required 88 off the last 10 overs. However, Knight’s wicket-keeper batsman Sanjog Chettri and Kencho Norbu did no mistake rotating the strike and hitting the occasional boundaries. Sanjog (46 off 31 balls) and Kencho (33 off 23) took Knights home to a comfortable seven wicket win. Suman Pradhan was declared the player of the match for the three wickets haul.
Paro Bluemoon end with a win
Paro Bluemoon CC defeated Dantak XI by 71 runs in their final match of the Bhutan T20 Smash 2022 to end the tournament on a high. Paro opener Tulsi Biswa and Chamling Rai gave their team the best start possible smacking for a tournament opening partnership of 101 in just 48 balls which also includes the highest run (75) in the powerplay. Tulsi Biswa was unstoppable hitting nine boundaries and three sixers for his 64 off 31 balls before a mix-up between the two openers got Tulsi run-out from a direct hit on the stumps by wicket-keeper William Rana. Chamling was bowled by Nirmal Kumar in the 12th over to give Dantak their second. Kishen Ghalley played the anchoring job for his well accumulated 37 off 26 balls before he was caught by Shrikant Hanamant off Yespal Singh’s bowling. Sanjit Biswa added 26 runs from 22 balls as Paro Bluemoon compiled a mammoth 205 target for Dantak XI. It was always going to be a huge task for the Dantak XI but with a good attacking batting line-up it would seem possible. A lot depended on how Pawan Mehta started the innings however, Pawan Mehta was dismissed in the fifth over by skipper Nabin Chettri to turn the chair towards Paro Bluemoon. Rakesh Dhiman lasted only a ball as he was bowled off the first ball in the next over. Wickets kept falling from one side of the wicket as Dantak XI saw themselves lose seven wickets with 90 runs on the scoresheet. Paro was all over Dantak before Pawan Kumar was bowled for a well- played 47 runs off 45 balls to hand Paro a consolation win. Tulsi Biswa and adjourned the man of the match for his blistering knock with the bat.
SKD All Stars hold their stands
SKD All Stars defeated True Warrior’s by 13 runs to remain as the table topper of the ongoing Bhutan T20 Smash 2022 held at Jigmethang cricket ground today. Having won the toss SKD All Star elected to bat first and it took only 13 balls before they lost their attacking opener Khendrup Jangchub at 21 to Warrior’s strike bowler Kezang Nima caught by Tandin Needup. SKD’s other opener Tandin Wangchuk joined his fellow partner the very next ball as he was bowled by Kezang Nima. Skipper Jigme N Dorji and Jigme Wangchuk started to build a handy partnership putting up 42 runs for the third wicket before Jigme Wangchuk (31 of 17) was caught by Sagar Sharma off Ugyen Wangchuk in the sixth over. Jigme Dorji couldn’t last long as he was brilliantly run out by Sagar Sharma. Soenam Jamtsho gave SKD All Star the extra pressure as he bowled off the first ball as the score stood at 63. SKD struggled to compile any fight back as they set up 138 runs target for the loss of nine wickets. True Warrior’s started brilliantly getting both opener Kezang Nima and Sagar Sharma with only 13 runs on the board. Manish Giri played some dynamic shots around the ground getting to 25 of just 10 balls before Jigdrel Wangchuk got him bowled. Sanjay Pradhan played the anchoring duty eventually falling to Sanjeevan for a LBW decision. Warriror’s Tarun Kumar started to play a gem of innings for his 34 of 22 balls before he was caught by substitute Tshering Rigden off Chimi Gyeltshen as Warrior’s hopes were shattered with his wicket. Sanjeevan Rai went on to claim two more wickets to his tally as Warrior’s fell short of 13 runs to hand over SKD All Stars their fifth win of the tournament. Sanjeevan was declared the player of the match for his economy and three wickets.
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
SKD All Star knocks out Paro
SKD All Stars beat Paro Bluemoon CC by five runs in a thrilling finish that led to Paro Bluemoon’s exit from the tournament of the on-going Bhutan T20 Smash 2022 held at Jigmethang cricket ground, Thimphu today. With the win SKD All Stars has booked their place in the top four that will play the knock out matches after the league round. SKD started poorly, losing skipper Jigme N Dorji who was bowled off the first ball to Sonam Tobgay. Sonam Tobgay went on to bowl out Khendrup Jangchub to claim his second wicket at a score of 23 after the third over. SKD All Stars lost their third wicket Yowon Pradhan as he was retired hurt. Paro skipper Nabin Chhetri added the extra pressure from one side of the wicket as he kept troubling the batsman with his wicket to wicket directed ball. Nabin claimed the likes of Sanjeevan Raj, Jigme Wangchuk, Sherub Jamtsho ending his four overs giving only 20 runs. Paro’s left arm pacer Pema bundled the tailenders closing the SKD innings for 120 for the loss of nine wickets. Paro’s hope of overcoming the required chase was dashed as they lost their main man Sonam Tobgay in a mis-communication leading to a run-out without him facing a ball. Paro’s half centurion from the previous match Kishen Ghalley also failed to make any impact as he was bowled by Tashi Chophel in the third over. Batting at the centre Chamling Rai and Sanjit Biswa brought some resistance as the two added 24 for the third wicket before losing Chamling Rai caught at deep cover in the 7th over to medium pacer Tandin Wangdi and caught by Jigme Wangchuk. Bowling from the other end, off-spinner Sherub Jamtsho troubled the batsman with his spin variations that fetched him three wickets. It was a one man show for the Paro Bluemoon as Sanjit Biswa on the other hand went on to score a half century. Sanjit kept the score ticking with occasional boundaries. Sanjit Biswa kept the hunt as the Paro Bluemoon found themselves needing 11 runs off the last over. SKD All Stars opted for their most experienced senior player Sanjeevan Rai to bowl the last over and SKD All Stars needing a wicket to close the match. SKD’s decision of giving the ball to Sanjeevan proved a match winner as the SKD gave only five runs in the last over winning by five runs. Tandin Wangdi was declared player of the match for his three wickets and 15 runs scored from the bat.
Jigdrel spin SKD to easy win over Dantak
SKD All Stars thrashed Dantak XI by 103 runs to stay on top of the table of the on-going Bhutan T20 Smash 2022. Pawan Mehta gave Dantak the best start bowling SKD All Star skipper Jigme N Dorji into the second over. Khendrup joined his skipper back in the pavilion in the next over after being caught and bowled by Vinay Singh. Dantak picked up their third as Tandin Penjor caught by keeper off Kalay as the score stood at 39. Sanjeevan (33 of 19 balls) on the other end kept the score board ticking with some stylish shots through the covers before getting sent-off for an LBW decision off Shrikant Hanamant’s bowling. Jigme Wangchuk and Sherub Jamtsho carried the momentum as the two put a partnership of 55 runs for the fifth wicket before Jigme Wangchuk (23 off 23 balls) was bowled by Pawan Mehta who had come on to bowl his second spell. Sherub Jamtsho (56 off 26) on the other hand went bizarre as he smacked six sixers as he brought up his maiden half century. Sherub was ultimately caught at deep mid-on by Vinay Singh off Shrikant Hanamant bowling who picked up three wickets. SKD’s tailender Chhimi Gyeltshen quick fired 20 of nine balls as SKD All Stars put up a mammoth 211 for Dantak to chase. Dantak opener Pawan Mehta seemed to have come with an attacking sense as he went after the SKD bowlers early on. Pawan Mehta quick fired 35 off 13 balls ultimately falling to Tashi Chophel caught behind by keeper Jigme Wangchuk. Pawan Kumar and William Rana kept the Dantak in the game as the two added 40 for the second wicket before Pawan Kumar was stumped off Jigdrel Wangchuk’s left arm spin. Jigdrel went on to bowl William Rana two balls later to claim his second victim. Dantak batsman had no answers to Jigdrel’s left arm orthodox spin as he went to claim Vinay Singh and Rakesh Dhiman in the same over as he picked his number four. SKD young medium pacer Chhimi Wangchuk kept the same pressure with some tight line and length bowling as he picked up four of the Dantak tailenders to restrict Dantak to 106 for nine. Chhimi had a figure of 4/10 from two overs. Jigdrel finished off with a fifer (5/9) as he became the first to claim five wickets in the tournament and lead SKD to 103 runs win. Jigdrel was declared the player of the match for his outstanding spell of bowling.
Druk Gladiator’s topple SKD All Stars as table topper
Druk Gladiator’s Saha Alom hit an unbeaten 88 off 57 balls to outthrow SKD All Stars as table topper of the on-going Bhutan T20 Smash 2022. SKD All Star opener Jigme N Dorji (39 from 36 balls) and Khendrup Jangchub (43 off 19 balls) went bizarre after choosing to bat first putting up 76 runs opening partnership off 35 balls. Tandin Penjor compiled a composed 40 of 43 balls as SKD put up 180 target for the Gladiators. Druk Gladiator’s seemed to have planned an aggressive approach as openers Saha Alom (88 of 57 balls) and Aryan Verma (41 of 35 balls) went after the SKD bowlers bringing up the first century (108 runs) opening partnership of the tournament. Tashi Chophel was the pick of the bowlers with figures of one for 10 runs from 4 overs as rest of the bowlers struggled to restrict the momentum of the Gladiator’s firework. Saha Alom’s bizarre innings included seven 4s and five 6s as his unbeaten 88 takes his team to the top of the table and also earning him the player of the match.
Kishen’s half century in vain as Warriors beat Paro
Paro Bluemoon’s Kishen Ghalley scored his maiden half century and first in the tournament but all in vain as his team went down to True Warrior’s by five runs in the ongoing Bhutan T20 Smash 2022. True Warrior’s narrow victory over Paro Bluemoon CC has kept their hopes alive for the top two spots. In the first innings, Warrior’s opener Kinga Loday scored the highest individual score of 45 runs of 44 balls to help his team post 130 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Tarun Kumar came up with other noticeable score of 21 of 16 balls. Paro Bluemoon fast bowler Pema Wangchuk and Nabin Chettri were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets. Paro lost both their openers within the first two overs but it was wicket-keeper batsman Kishen Ghalley who churned the innings with 56 of 54 balls before getting bowled out in the 18th over off Kezang Nima during a critical moment of the game that saw True Warriors snatch a narrow win over the Paro Bluemoon. Hritesh Barman (17 of 20 balls) and Pema Wangchuk (17 of 9 balls) came up with other notable scores. True Warrior’s Kesang Nima was declared the man of the match.
Knights win a thriller against Wangdue
Thimphu Knights escaped yet another scare as they went on to beat Wangdue Radaps by two runs in the afternoon match of the ongoing Bhutan T20 Smash 2022. Knights skipper Tandin Wangchuk elected to bat first against a decent bowling side of Wangdue Radaps. However, the batting plan back fired as Knights lost opener Sanjog Chhetri in the second over and it was Radap’s top wicket taker Kencho Chophel. Kencho Chophel went on to get rid of skipper Tandin Wangchuk caught by Pema Loday the next ball as Knights were pushed to a state of bother. Wickets kept falling on one side where Tashi Tshering (33 of 33 balls) on the other side was the only batsman who seemed comfortable inside. Tashi was ultimately bowled out trying to increase the run rate before they were bundled up for 118 with five overs remaining. Barun Wakhley (15 of 8 balls) and Karma Dorji (15 of 10 balls) were the other notable contributors. Thimphu Knight’s speedster Barun started brilliantly bowling out Wangdue Radap’s main batsman Ram Chandra Mongar in the second over. Barun took only two more deliveries to claim his second wicket in the form of Tsheltrim Yoezer caught by wicket-keeper Sanjog. Thimphu Knight’s Dawa went on to pick Jigme Tenzin caught by Suman Pradhan to give Knight’s their third wicket in the third over. The next stand of Deki Phuntsho and Pema Dorji added 27 runs before skipper Tandin trapped Deki LBW. Radap’s opender Pema Dorji looked good for his 23 before he was run-out in the ninth over. Wangdue Radap’s kept losing wickets at a regular interval, however, Radap’c managed to pick up some important runs and occasional boundaries in between. Sangay Tenzin (18 of 27 balls) and Pema Loday (20 of 15 balls) started to threaten the Knights before Pema Loday was bowled by Kinley Penjor. At the end of 19 over Wangdue needed only 15 runs to win as Tashi Tshering was given the responsibility to bowl the final over. Sangay and Neten Dorji pushed the Knight’s double runs of the first two balls. Neten Dorji smartly placed the next ball towards deep cover for a boundary as the Radap’s needed three runs of the last ball which the batsman failed giving Knights their second win from three games. Barun Wakhley was declared the Player of the Match. With the win the Thimphu Knights are placed third on the points table.