semi-final of the ongoing U-19 Challenge Cup

Saudi Arabia continued their winning record against Bhutan, after they beat the latter by eight wickets yesterday, in the semi-final of the ongoing U-19 Challenge Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This was Bhutan’s fourth loss against the Saudis.

Bhutan chose to bat first after winning the toss at Selangor Turf Club ground, and started poorly, when Thinley Jamtsho was bowled out in the second over. Dechen Wangchuk returned to the pavilion in the 10th over after scoring 10 runs.

Susil Sharma and Kencho Norbu gave some hope for the team with 31 runs between the two, but not for long. Susil was stumped after scoring 13 runs in the 15th over bowled by Faheem Afrad.

The most reliable batsman and team captain Jigme Singye could not save his team, as he made his way back after scoring only four runs. Bhutan was bundled out for 93 runs after the end of 30 overs. Kencho Norbu top scored with 44 runs in 85 balls.

In return, Saudi Arabia reached the mark in the 15th over with the loss of two wickets. Saudi Arabia’s Emad Uddiin was named man of the match.

“They outplayed us today in all departments,” Jigme Singye, in an email interview, said.

Bhutan will play China for the third or fourth place today at Selangor Turf Club ground.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan second encounter at the ongoing U-19 Challenge Cup

In the second encounter at the ongoing U-19 Challenge Cup being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bhutan beat Myanmar by four wickets at the Universiti Sains Malaysia ground, making it their second consecutive win.

Myanmar elected to bat first after winning the toss. Bhutan’s mixture of pace and spin bowling yet again did the job, bundling Myanmar out for 138 in 41
A fine all-round performance: Capt.
Jigme Singye shone with both bat
and ball

overs; 67 of which runs came from extras. Zarni Thein top scored with 21 runs.

Bhutan’s captain, Jigme Singye, again showed his class with his leg spin, picking up four wickets from his eight overs, giving away just 20 runs. Nima Gurung and Sherub Dorji snapped up two wickets each, while Dechen Wangchuk and Tshering Tobgay scalped one each.

Bhutan lost their first wicket in the second over, with Thinley Jamtsho run out for nought. The second wicket fell when Kencho Norbu was given leg before wicket (LBW). Susil Sharma (39) and Jigme Singye (29 not out) took Bhutan to their second victory in 29 overs with a loss of six wickets.

Myanmar’s Aung Aung was the pick of their bowlers with four wickets for 44 runs. Jigme Singye bagged his second man of the match award of the tournament.

In an email interview, Susil Sharma said, “I’m disappointed that I couldn’t get to the 50 mark, but the way I played has surely lifted my confidence. We did expect to win, but we’ve gone wrong in some way that has to be corrected before our big match ahead,” he added.

“We have to bat and bowl well, keep the plan simple that makes the game more effective,” said coach and team manager, Damber Gurung. “So far they’re picking up but have to get stronger and ready to play tougher teams in the knock-out stage,” Damber added.

Bhutan will play Iran tomorrow at the Penang Sports Club ground.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Cricket: U-19 Challenge Cup

Bhutan will play China at the Penang Sports Club ground in their first match of the U-19 Challenge Cup to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from tomorrow.

Apart from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Bhutan is expected to be among the strong contenders for the finals.The top two teams of the tournament will qualify for the Elite group.

Bhutan is lined up with Iran, Brunei and China in Pool B while Myanmar, Kuwait, Maldives and Brunei are in Pool A.

“We stand a good chance to reach the knock-out round but again we have to play at out best of abilities, cricket is a really funny game where even in a winning situation you end up losing,” said the captain of Bhutan, Jigme Singye.

“We have reached the finals before and at this point we have a good team combination, and hopeful to win this time,” said coach and team Manager, Damber Gurung.

The finals will be played on July 9 at the Kinrara cricket ground.

Source: Kuenselonline