The Bhutan under-16 cricket team lost their final group match against Malaysia, today. With the defeat, Bhutan’s run in this edition of the Asian Cricket Council under-16 Eastern Region Cup is over. Bhutan finished bottom of group B with three losses in three matches.
With odds heavily stacked against them, the Bhutanese boys had to climb a huge mountain to make it to the semifinals. The team’s goal was simple; beat Malaysia with a huge margin.
The lady luck was not in Bhutan’s favor the entire tournament as Bhutan’s captain, Tshering Penjor, lost his third successive toss in the tournament. Aiming to put on a humongous total, Malaysia elected to bat first.
The Bhutanese boys chipped in with wickets every now and then but could not contain the rate at which Malaysia was scoring. Bhutan’s bowling and fielding has been good so far in the tournament but today’s match against Malaysia saw inconsistent bowling, misfields, and overall lack in concentration from the players.
Malaysia put on an almost impossible total of 223 runs for Bhutan to chase. Bhutan’s run chase was a disaster. Giving away easy wickets. Bhutan ultimately got bowled out for 51 runs, giving Malaysia a 171 runs victory and a place in the semifinals.
It is the end of the road in this tournament for the Bhutanese boys but a lot of experience to take home. They are now looking forward to the district cricket championship, which begins in Gelephu, next week.
