CRICKET – BAHRAIN secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over hosts Malawi yesterday in the Quadrangular T20I Series, chasing down a modest target of 110 with ease.
The clash was played at the TCA Oval in the city of Blantyre.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Malawi’s innings never gained momentum as they were restricted to 109/9 in their 20 overs. The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals, with only Sami Sohail (48 off 37 balls, three fours, and three sixes) and Muhammad Kazim Somani (31 off 27) offering any real resistance.
Bahrain’s bowlers were disciplined, with Abdul Majid (2/15) and Imran Anwar (2/13) leading the attack. Malawi’s middle order collapsed after Sohail’s dismissal, slipping from 84/6 to 109/9, with two run-outs adding to their woes.
In reply, Bahrain’s openers Asif Ali (33 off 22, seven fours) and Prashant Kurup (24 off 26) provided a strong start, putting on 59 runs in just 6.3 overs.
Ali’s aggressive strokeplay set the tone before he fell to Sami Sohail, but the chase remained firmly under control.
Fiaz Ahmed (31 off 27) anchored the innings alongside Ahmer Bin Nasir (8), guiding Bahrain to 111/3 in just 14.4 overs.
Malawi’s bowlers struggled for breakthroughs, with only Sohail (1/16) and Trust Makaya (1/20) managing wickets.
Malawi’s batting frailties were exposed, with only two batters crossing 30, while Bahrain’s bowlers were clinical, with Majid and Anwar stifling the hosts.
Ali’s explosive start ensured there were no hiccups in the chase, inspiring the Bahrainis to victory.
Bahrain are back in action today against Tanzania. They then face Germany tomorrow, Tanzania again on Thursday, and Malawi on Saturday.
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