CRICKET – BAHRAIN outclassed Bhutan by 90 runs yesterday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub Regional Qualifier B 2024, held at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
A dominant performance with the bat from Bahrain, spearheaded by captain Haider Butt, helped the team post a formidable total of 175/7 in their 20 overs. Bhutan, in response, could only manage 85/7, failing to challenge the victors’ imposing total.
Bahrain’s innings was built around a superb 68 off 47 balls from Haider Butt, who played an anchor role for his team. Butt’s knock, which included six boundaries and three sixes, was the highlight of Bahrain’s innings. His explosive batting played a crucial role in stabilising the middle order, especially after an early collapse that saw the team at 48/4.
Butt was well-supported by Ahmer Bin Nasir, whose quickfire 62 off 38 balls kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. The pair added crucial runs to help Bahrain recover from an early slump.
Notably, Butt’s innings marked a personal milestone as he crossed the 1,000-run mark in T20 internationals during the match. This remarkable achievement was celebrated by the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF), with the core team present in Doha to witness the historic moment.
BCF chairman Mohammad Mansoor, BCF president Sami Ali, and BCF board member Sameer M Ali were all in attendance, adding extra excitement to the match as they joined in the celebrations of Butt’s achievement.
Bhutan’s bowlers fought hard, with Tenzin Wangchuk being the standout performer, taking four wickets for 41 runs from his four overs.
Dawa Dawa and Sonam Yeshey also contributed, but it was clear that the total set by Bahrain was always going to be a tough ask for the Bhutanese batsmen.
In reply, Bhutan’s chase was never really on track. The opening partnership was quickly broken, and wickets fell at regular intervals.
The best contributions came from Namgay Thinley (17), Ranjung Dorji (23), and Jigme Singye (16), but none of them could go on to play a match-changing knock.
The pressure from Bahrain’s bowlers, led by Rizwan Butt (3/12), was immense. Rizwan’s brilliant spell of fast bowling dismantled Bhutan’s middle and lower order, while Imran Anwar (2/25) and Ali Dawood (1/17) were also key to keeping Bhutan at bay.
Bhutan’s total of 85/7 from their 20 overs was a disappointing outcome, with Bahrain’s bowlers exploiting the conditions and putting on a disciplined performance to secure a comprehensive victory.
With the win, Bahrain further strengthened their position in the tournament, while Bhutan will need to regroup and come up with a stronger performance in their upcoming matches.
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