The first-ever international cricket tournament in Bhutan, the Bhutan T20 International Quadrangular Series, kicked off today in Gelephu, but it was not the fairytale start Bhutan had hoped for. In this morning’s opening match, Bhutan suffered a 77-run defeat to Thailand. Our reporter, Sherub Dorji, sent this report from the Gelephu International Cricket Ground.
The new Gelephu Mindfulness City Governor, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, witnessed the opening match as the guest of honour.
Dr Lotay met with staff and players from all the participating nations: Bhutan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Maldives.
Bhutan won the toss and decided to bowl first, a decision that backfired immediately, with Thailand’s Chaleu Chatpaisan dominating the Bhutanese bowlers during the powerplay overs.
Chaleu hit Bhutanese bowlers all over the park, notching up a half-century in the process.
Chaleu’s explosive batting was complemented by Jandre Coetzee, who also made a quickfire 45 runs.
Sonam Yeshey was the pick of the Bhutanese bowlers, claiming the top three batters, including Chaleu Chatpaisan. Ranjung Mikyo Dorji also chipped in with two wickets.
At the end of 20 overs, Thailand scored a commendable 171 runs. The total would have been lower had the Bhutanese fielders not dropped three crucial catches.
Chasing 171, Bhutan struggled again in the powerplay overs, this time with the bat.
Ranjung Mikyo Dorji and Suprit Pradhan played sensibly to keep the scoreboard ticking scoring at a run a ball.
However, Ranjung’s wicket in the 10th over triggered a domino effect, with Bhutanese batters returning to the pavilion one after another.
Bhutan was ultimately bundled out for 94 runs, 77 short of the target. Only Ranjung Mikyo Dorji and Suprit Pradhan managed to score in double figures.
It was a comfortable win for Thailand, putting them in pole position to reach the semi-finals. Chaleu Chatpaisan was awarded player of the match for his exploits with the bat.
“This is a confidence-boosting win—a big win for us. And it’s just the first game now. There’s a long way to go. The second game is tomorrow. The approach will be the same. The intent will be the same. Then nothing will change in strategies as of now—big win. Big confidence boosts for us,” said Austin Lazarus, captain, Thailand.
“I think Thailand played well; credit goes to them. They utilised the power play well. Whereas we struggled in the power play. So, I think in the power play, that’s where we lost the game. And looking forward to the next two games, I think we have got good experience with how the pitch is going to play now. So, we are waiting for tomorrow’s game,” said Rangjung Mikyo Dorji, a player from Bhutan.
Bhutan will aim to bounce back when they face the Maldives tomorrow morning.
Sherub Dorji
