Sarpang Strikers are the champions of this year’s Women’s T20 Smash. They defeated Thimphu Cricket Club by 16 runs in the finals played in the capital today.
Nine teams took part this year. Thimphu Cricket Club won the toss and chose to field first. Sarpang Strikers had a shaky start, losing three wickets for 30 runs in the first six overs. However, the team gradually built a solid innings, ending with 112 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Meanwhile, Thimphu struggled to keep up with the required run rate, scoring only 18 runs in the first five overs. Despite their efforts, they managed just 96 runs by the end of 20 overs, falling 16 runs short.
“We are very happy to win the BTCL Women’s T20 Smash 2025 title. Although our openers and top-order batters struggled at the start, we pulled through as a team. Everyone contributed, and together we managed to make a total of 112 runs,” said Ngawang Choden, Captain, Sarpang Strikers.
The Bhutan Cricket Council Board, which organised the tournament officials said this year’s edition is the largest women’s domestic tournament conducted so far.
“The number of girls taking up cricket is growing every day, with the sport now being played in various districts. Many young girls are stepping forward to play, and we wanted to celebrate this progress and promote equal opportunities for both men and women in the game,” said Damber S. Gurung, CEO, Bhutan Cricket Council Board.
“In sports, women’s participation is generally lower than men’s. That’s why such tournaments are organised to encourage more women and girls to take part. Without such opportunities, many girls tend to shy away from sports and usually participate only when it is compulsory in school,” said Anju Gurung, Captain, Thimphu Cricket Club.
The winners took home a cash prize of Nu 200,000 while the runners-up received Nu 100,000. Prizes and trophies were also awarded for individual brilliance.
The Women’s T20 Smash is Bhutan’s flagship domestic tournament held annually in July to celebrate the rapid growth and rising popularity of women’s cricket in the country.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Kipchu
