CRICKET – Bahrain registered a comprehensive 49-run victory over Cambodia yesterday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub Regional Qualifier B, being played at the University of Doha for Science and Technology in Qatar.
After losing the toss, Bahrain were put into bat, and they posted a competitive total of 174/6 in their 20 overs thanks to an explosive performance from Rizwan Butt, who was the standout performer with the ball later in the match. Their innings saw valuable contributions across the board with the bat, as the top order laid a solid foundation.
Bahrain’s innings was anchored by an unbeaten captain’s knock of 79 from Haider Ali Butt, who faced 38 balls, smashing eight sixes and two fours.
Bahrain batters got starts which provided crucial support in building a formidable total. Despite a few middle-order stumbles, Bahrain’s late hitting ensured they finished strong, ending with a total that proved too much for Cambodia to chase down.
In response, Cambodia’s chase faltered early as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The innings was rocked by a sensational bowling display from Rizwan Butt, who claimed outstanding figures of 5/20 from four overs. Butt’s efforts were pivotal in dismantling the Cambodian lineup, as he accounted for five of the 10 wickets to fall.
Cambodia’s highest scorer, Luqman Butt (79 off 40 balls), put up a valiant fight in the chase, hitting seven fours and six sixes, but the pressure of chasing a high total and regular fall of wickets proved too much.
Mahaj Midda Sahaj Chadha (38) the wicketkeeper also showed some resistance, but it was not enough as Bahrain’s bowlers, led by Butt, cleaned up the lower order to bowl Cambodia out for just 125 in 15.5 overs.
Rizwan Butt was named Player of the Match for his match-winning, five-wicket haul, which included key dismissals of the middle and lower order, leaving Cambodia’s chase in tatters.
With this win, Bahrain moved to six points from five matches, while Cambodia remained winless in the tournament, languishing at the bottom of the points table.
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