Thinley Namgay

In an absolute thriller, the senior national men’s cricket team recorded their third consecutive victory beating the Maldives yesterday by two runs in the ongoing first T20 Quadrangular Series 2022 in Malaysia.     

With yesterday’s win, Bhutan has almost confirmed a place in the final against hosts Malaysia on July 11.      

The Maldives won the toss and elected to bowl first against Bhutan.    

Bhutan managed 110 runs with the fall of seven wickets in 20 overs. While the Maldives made 108 runs with the loss of 10 wickets in 20 overs. 

Bhutan Cricket’s Chief Executive Officer Damber S Gurung said: “The Maldives still have two matches left and we have one. If the Maldives wins two and if we lose the last one, I think there will be some Net Run Rate (NRR) calculation that comes into play.”  

He said Malaysia has qualified for the final and Thailand is out of the competition.  

Damber S Gurung said the team is performing well and looking to make it to the final. “If this spirit can be maintained throughout the tournament, we will win both the last match and the final.” 

As of yesterday, hosts Malaysia have 10 points followed by Bhutan with six points and the Maldives with two points. Malaysia won all the five games so far.  

Thailand is yet to earn a point and even if they win the remaining two games, Thailand won’t make it to the final.    

If Bhutan beat Thailand, it is definite to play the final whether the Maldives win the remaining matches or not.  

Of the five games played so far, Bhutan lost two games against hosts Malaysia.  

The Maldives will play against Thailand today and Malaysia tomorrow.   

 Bhutan will face Thailand tomorrow in the last game of the league.