Bahrain's women’s cricket national team suffered a four-wicket defeat in a match that went down to the wire in their bilateral T20i series at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.
In an exciting encounter, Bahrain set a modest total of 128/4 in their 20 overs but Qatar chased it down in 19 overs with just two balls to spare, finishing at 131/6 in 18.4 overs.
The visitors got off to a steady start but struggled to build partnerships. Opening batter Zayneb Fazli (16 from 18 balls) fell to Shereen Khan, while Poorvaja Jagadeesha Babu (19 from 26 balls) also departed cheaply, bowled by Roheed Akhtar.
The innings was anchored by Rasika Rodrigo, who played a valuable knock of 50 from 51 balls, hitting six boundaries. Deepika Rasangika Herath was aggressive, scoring 19 runs off just 13 balls, including three fours, before falling to Shereen Khan in a spectacular catch by Angeline Mare.
Abeera Waris Ali’s brief stay was cut short by a ball from Sudha Thapa, dismissing her for just seven runs. Ishara Madhuwanti contributed a valuable three in the lower order, as Bahrain managed to post 128/4. The extras also played a crucial role, with 14 runs coming from wides, no-balls, and leg byes.
Qatar’s bowling attack was disciplined throughout. Khan was the standout performer, taking two wickets for 23 runs from her four overs. Sudha Thapa picked up one wicket for 27 runs, while Roheed Akhtar claimed one for 21.
The economy rates were steady, with Aysha’s four overs costing just 19 runs, and Devanandha Kavinisseri kept things tight as well, conceding 21 runs from her three overs.
Chasing 129 to win, Qatar’s response was led by Khan, who remained unbeaten on 35 from 48 balls, guiding her team towards the target. Aysha (30 from 19 balls) played an explosive knock, striking five boundaries and maintaining a high strike rate of 157.89.
Bahrain made inroads with Zayneb Fazli dismissing Rizpha Bano early for five runs, and Khan also saw support from Aysha, who helped keep the run rate on track.
However, Qatar suffered a couple of quick wickets, with Angeline Mare (one from three balls) and Roheed Akhtar (nine from 14 balls) both departing cheaply. Sabeeja Adiyeri Panayan contributed four runs before falling to a run-out by Abeera Waris Ali.
But Sudha Thapa (six from six balls) and Devanandha Kavinisseri (14 from 11 balls) held their nerve, ensuring Qatar’s victory with a composed finish, as they reached the target with eight balls remaining.
Bahrain’s bowlers fought hard, with Fazli taking the solitary wicket of Bano, while Shruti Yadav was the most successful bowler, picking up two wickets for just 18 runs in her four overs. Sadamali Nishshanka and Deepika Rasangika Herath were economical, but Bahrain couldn’t stop the flow of runs at crucial moments.
Bahrain Cricket Federation board member Sameer Mushtaque Ali said: “I have great admiration for this women’s team, as they played exceptionally well and put in their efforts showing significant contributions in this bilateral T20i series, which is good to see.”
Coach Rexie Arulvasagam believes that the experience gained from the tough competition will be invaluable for the women’s future development. He thanked the boards of the Qatar Cricket Association and the BCF for their support in providing such a great opportunity with this bilateral T20i series, which the hosts won 4-1.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bahrain Women: 128/4 (20 overs); Top scorers: Rasika Rodrigo 50, Deepika Herath 19; Best bowlers: Shruti Yadav 2/18, Zayneb Fazli 1/27
Qatar Women: 131/6 (18.4 overs); Top scorers: Shereen Nawab Khan 35*, Aysha 30; Best bowlers: Shereen Nawab Khan 2/23, Sudha Thapa 1/27
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