BAHRAIN cricketers yesterday went down fighting to Kuwait by 128 runs in the World Cricket League Asia Qualifiers in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
It was Bahrain’s second defeat in four matches. Bahrain won their first match against hosts Thailand, lost to Saudi Arabia in the second and stunned Qatar in the third on Thursday.
But yesterday, Bahrain were found wanting as they imploded losing their last seven wickets for 41 runs while chasing a modest target of 229 in 50 overs.
Bahrain started poorly losing both the openers Imran Ali (4) and Janaka Chaturanga (10) on the same score of 14 in the second over.
Mohammed Sameer (47, 66 balls, 5 fours, 2 six) and GSPR Arachchige (15, 47 balls, 1 four) stemmed the rot adding 45 runs for the third wicket.
But once the duo departed, none of the remaining batsmen could reach double figures. The next seven batsmen’s contributions were 2, 0, 7, 5, 0, 1, 1 while the extras contributed eight.
For Kuwait, Mohammed Asghar (4-13) was the most successful bowler while Haroon Shahid (3-25) and Sajid Manzil (2-15) were the other wicket-takers.
Earlier batting first, Kuwait made steady progress with Ali Zaheer holding the batting together with a fine 78 (72 balls, 6 fours, four sixes).
Opener Mohammed Asghar (37, 24 balls, 3 sixes, 3 fours) and Mohammad Amin (34, 33 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) were the other main contributors.
Kuwait could have set a stiffer target having reached 218 for six by the 41st over. But they lost the last six wickets for just 10 runs.
In other matches, leaders Saudi Arabia continued their unbeaten run routing Bhutan by six wickets.
Batting first, Bhutan were bowled out for 97 in 26.4 overs and Saudi Arabia reached the target in 17.4 overs.
Routed
Qatar outplayed China by 265 runs after reaching 339 all out in 48.5 overs. In response, China were bundled out for 74 in 30.5 overs.
Saudi Arabia lead the table with eight points from four matches while Qatar are also on eight but having played a match more.
Bahrain, Kuwait and Thailand have four points from four matches each. But Kuwait (+.998) are third, Thailand (+.339) fourth and Bahrain (-300) fifth on net run rate.
In today’s matches, Kuwait meet Bhutan, Bahrain play China and Saudi Arabia face Thailand.
The winner of these qualifiers gain promotion to Division Five of the ICC World Cricket League.