Kuwait’s Commanding Win Over Malaysia at the Bayuemas Oval
The morning session of the fifth day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A 2024 was packed with excitement and high-level cricket as Kuwait faced off against Malaysia at the Bayuemas Oval. In a match that saw both strategic play and stellar individual performances, Kuwait restricted Malaysia to 147 for seven and confidently chased down the target in just 16 overs.
Malaysia’s Struggles Against Kuwait’s Bowling Attack
Malaysia, who were put in to bat first, failed to establish any strong partnerships, thanks to Kuwait’s disciplined bowling attack. The Malaysian skipper, Syed Aziz, showed early promise by hitting three boundaries, but his momentum was halted when he was caught by Muhammad Umar off Yasin Patel’s bowling.
Kuwait’s bowlers, led by Yasin Patel—who ended with impressive figures of 3-22—kept the pressure on Malaysia throughout the innings. Despite some resistance from the experienced Ahmad Zubaidi, who scored a steady 28 runs, and a blistering cameo by former captain Ahmad Faiz with a 10-ball 28, the Malaysian side could not break free. Patel’s quick dismissals and the crucial wicket of Zubaidi ensured that Malaysia couldn’t set a high total.
Virandeep Singh Anchors the Innings
Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh played a pivotal role in adding respectability to the total, scoring 43 runs. His ability to hold the innings together allowed Malaysia to reach 147/7, a target that appeared defendable but ultimately fell short against Kuwait’s in-form batting lineup.
Kuwait’s Dominant Chase
In response, Kuwait’s chase was nothing short of spectacular. Clinto Anto launched an all-out assault on Malaysia’s bowlers, smashing 34 runs off just 11 balls. His quickfire innings set the tone for the rest of the chase, and despite his early dismissal, Kuwait never wavered.
Usman Patel, who remained unbeaten on 57*, was the star of Kuwait’s batting effort. Supported by Meet Bhavsar (39*), the pair put together an unbeaten stand of 92 runs, sealing a comfortable victory in just 15.2 overs. Patel’s composed innings, marked by seven boundaries, highlighted his ability to handle pressure, ensuring Kuwait’s continued dominance in the tournament.
Match Summary:
- Malaysia: 147/7 in 20 Overs (Virandeep Singh 43, Ahmad Faiz 28, Yasin Patel 3-22)
- Kuwait: 150/2 in 15.2 Overs (Usman Patel 57*, Meet Bhavsar 39*)
- Result: Kuwait won by 8 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Usman Patel (Kuwait)
Singapore vs Mongolia: A Record-Breaking Day at the UKM-YSD Oval
The match between Singapore and Mongolia turned into an extraordinary one-sided contest, with Singapore’s Harsha Bharadwaj delivering one of the finest bowling performances in T20 history. Mongolia were skittled out for just 10 runs—the joint-lowest total in Men’s T20 internationals—while Singapore chased the target in a mere five balls.
Bharadwaj’s Magical Spell
At the heart of Singapore’s incredible bowling display was Harsha Bharadwaj, the young spinner who took six wickets for just three runs. His devastating spell decimated Mongolia’s top and middle order. He claimed two wickets in his first four deliveries and continued his onslaught, dismissing Sodbileg Gantulga and Gandemberel Ganbold in his subsequent overs. Mongolia’s batting lineup collapsed under the pressure, unable to recover from Bharadwaj’s relentless bowling.
Off-spinner Akshay Puri provided excellent support with figures of 2-4, as Mongolia found themselves reeling at 5 wickets for seven runs. The Mongolian side could only manage to add three more runs to their total before being bowled out in 10 overs.
Singapore’s Swift Chase
Singapore made light work of chasing down Mongolia’s paltry total. Raoul Sharma smashed a six to finish the match within just five balls, sealing a nine-wicket victory. Though Singapore’s impressive net run rate boost from this victory might ultimately be inconsequential after recent losses to Malaysia and Hong Kong, their comprehensive win highlighted the dominance of their bowling attack.
Match Summary:
- Mongolia: 10 all out in 10 Overs (Harsha Bharadwaj 6-3, Akshay Puri 2-4)
- Singapore: 13/1 in 0.5 Overs (Raoul Sharma 7*)
- Result: Singapore won by 9 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Harsha Bharadwaj (Singapore)
Maldives vs Myanmar: A Quick Finish at the UKM-YSD Oval
In another match that ended early, the Maldives picked up their first win of the tournament with a dominant performance against Myanmar, chasing down a target of 52 runs within the powerplay. Adam Nasif, the Maldives’ vice-captain, played a crucial role both with the ball and the bat, guiding his team to a comfortable victory.
Myanmar’s Struggles with the Bat
Opting to bat first, Myanmar were unable to build any momentum. The consistent Adam Nasif dismantled Myanmar’s batting lineup, picking up three wickets for just 11 runs. Myanmar’s opener Pyae Phyo Wai, known for his solid performances, could only manage 9 runs before being dismissed by Nasif.
Only Htet Lin Oo, who top-scored with 14, offered any resistance for Myanmar, as they were bowled out for a mere 51 runs in 17 overs. The lack of boundaries and the inability to rotate the strike added to Myanmar’s woes, leaving them with a highly vulnerable total.
Maldives’ Comfortable Chase
Maldives’ chase was a formality, and they reached the target with ease. Ismail Ali, with a composed 23*, and Nasif, who contributed 20, ensured the chase was finished in just 5.3 overs. Despite losing Nasif, the Maldives’ batters were never troubled as they cruised to victory.
Match Summary:
- Myanmar: 51 all out in 17 Overs (Htet Lin Oo 14, Adam Nasif 3-11)
- Maldives: 52/1 in 5.3 Overs (Ismail Ali 23*, Adam Nasif 20)
- Result: Maldives won by 9 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Adam Nasif (Maldives)
Conclusion: A Day of Dominant Performances and Record-Breaking Feats
Day five of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A 2024 will be remembered for the clinical and dominant displays of Kuwait, Singapore, and the Maldives. From Harsha Bharadwaj’s record-breaking spell for Singapore to Usman Patel’s composed half-century for Kuwait, the day showcased the talent and determination of the participating teams.
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