CRICKET – BAHRAIN lost a thrilling encounter by two wickets against Thailand yesterday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub Regional Qualifier B.
The match was played at the University of Doha Cricket Ground for Science and Technology.
Despite a strong bowling performance from Bahrain, Thailand held their nerve to chase down 103 runs, securing a hard-fought win in just 19.2 overs.
Bahrain won the toss and chose to bat, but their innings got off to a shaky start. With just 10 runs on the board, they lost their first two wickets early, including key batsman Umer Toor (10) and Asif Ali (zero). Imran Anwar followed soon after, falling for a duck, leaving Bahrain at a precarious 11/3 in the third over.
Fiaz Ahmed provided some resistance, scoring a vital 39 off 51 balls, while Haider Butt, the in-form batter, contributed 20 runs from 26 balls.
Despite their efforts, Bahrain struggled to build partnerships, and regular wickets fell. Ahmer Bin Nasir’s quickfire seven off seven balls was one of the few bright spots, as Bahrain ended their 20 overs with a modest total of 102/7.
Thailand’s bowlers were clinical throughout. Nitish Salekar (2/17) and Sorawat Desungnoen (2/22) were the standout performers, with Nopphon Senamontree (1/8) also contributing with a miserly spell. Sarawut Maliwan (1/21) and Narawit Nuntarach (0/9) kept things tight, ensuring Bahrain’s total was always under pressure.
In reply, Thailand faced their own challenges as Bahrain’s bowlers, led by Ali Dawood (4/22), applied constant pressure. Dawood’s brilliant spell accounted for the wickets of Akshaykumar Yadav, Nitish Salekar, and Narawit Nuntarach. Sohail Ahmed (3/17) also played a pivotal role, taking crucial wickets at key moments, including the scalps of Satarut Rungrueang and Sorawat Desungnoen.
Despite the middle-order collapse, Thailand remained in the hunt thanks to a late burst from Chanchai Pengkumta. His unbroken 12-run knock from just seven balls, which included a crucial six, guided Thailand to the target.
Yodsak Saranonnakkun (22) and Chaloemwong Chatphaisan (19) had earlier contributed to the chase, with both falling to Bahrain’s disciplined bowling attack.
With the game hanging in the balance, Thailand reached 103/8 in 19.2 overs, sealing a thrilling two-wicket victory. Bahrain’s bowlers fought hard, but it was Thailand’s calm and composed finishing that ultimately saw them through.
The hard-fought win gave Thailand two points and momentum going into the next stage of the qualifier, while Bahrain will look to bounce back in a match with Bhutan today.
Matches can be watched live on ICC.TV.
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