Hong Kong Women and Bhutan Women locked horns in the 5th match of the Lotus Cup Women’s Tri-Series at Gelephu, producing a closely fought contest that showcased grit, discipline, and flashes of brilliance from both sides. Winning the toss, Hong Kong Women opted to bat first, but their innings began on a shaky note as Bhutan’s bowlers struck early to unsettle the top order.
Captain Natasha Miles departed without scoring, falling for 0 off 4 balls as Ritshi Choden drew first blood. The early breakthrough was followed by another key dismissal when Mariko Hill, who tried to stabilise the innings with 14 off 23 balls, was trapped lbw by Sonam. Yasmin Daswani attempted to rebuild and looked steady with 18 off 23 deliveries, but a sharp run-out by Tshering Zangmo cut short her innings at 36/3. Kary Chan joined the rebuilding act and contributed 11 off 19 balls before being run out in a mix-up involving Sonam Choden and Ngawang Choden.
The momentum shifted in Hong Kong’s favour through a crucial partnership between Maryam Bibi and Yee Shan To. Maryam played a composed yet impactful knock, scoring 31 off 28 balls with two boundaries and a six, anchoring the middle order. Yee Shan To chipped in with 11 off 13 balls, helping Hong Kong recover from the mid-innings wobble. Late contributions from Emma Lai (1 off 3), Alison Siu (0 off 1), Iqra Sahar (1 off 2), and unbeaten cameos by Charlotte Chan (1 off 1) and Ruchitha Venkatesh (8 off 3, including a boundary) pushed Hong Kong Women to 106/9 in 20 overs.
Bhutan’s bowling unit was disciplined, with Ritshi Choden standing out with figures of 3/12 from 4 overs, applying consistent pressure. Sonam returned 1/14, while Anju Gurung claimed 1/22. Tshering Zangmo bowled economically but went wicketless, conceding 25 runs. Extras (10) also played a role in boosting Hong Kong’s total.
In response, Bhutan Women began their chase with intent but struggled to keep wickets intact. Ngawang Choden anchored the innings with a determined 37 off 43 balls, striking five boundaries, and played the most significant role in keeping Bhutan in the hunt. Karma Dema (3 off 11) and Sonam Paldon (3 off 15) fell early, while Tshering Zangmo added a brief 4 off 6 balls. Captain Anju Gurung endured a difficult outing, scoring 0 off 4 balls, as Hong Kong’s bowlers tightened their grip.
The middle and lower order showed resistance through Sonam Choden (14* off 25), Sonam (9 off 10), Ritshi Choden (1 off 2), and Chado Om (5 off 3). Sangay Yangzom remained unbeaten on 1, but Bhutan could only reach 94/9 at the end of 20 overs, falling short by 12 runs.
Hong Kong’s bowling attack delivered a collective effort. Alison Siu picked up 2/23, while Charlotte Chan claimed 2/18 to break key partnerships. Kary Chan was impressive with 1/12, and Ruchitha Venkatesh continued her all-round impact with 1/11, earning the Player of the Match award. Maryam Bibi bowled economically but went wicketless, conceding 24 runs.
Overall, the match was defined by disciplined bowling, crucial partnerships, and timely middle-order contributions. Hong Kong Women’s ability to recover from early setbacks and defend a modest total under pressure proved decisive, while Bhutan Women showed fighting spirit but were undone by a lack of sustained partnerships and regular wickets falling at crucial stages.
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