The fourth match of the Lotus Cup Women’s Tri-Series, played on 24 January 2026, saw Bhutan Women produce a confident all-round performance to defeat Malaysia Women by eight wickets. After winning the toss, Bhutan opted to field first, a decision that proved spot on as they restricted Malaysia to a manageable total before chasing it down comfortably in under 19 overs.
Malaysia Women began their innings with intent, looking to set a competitive target. Ainna Hamizah Hashim was the standout at the top of the order, playing a composed knock of 34 runs off 38 balls. She anchored the innings during the powerplay and tried to hold things together as wickets fell at the other end. Captain Winifred Duraisingam contributed a steady 16 from 17 deliveries, while Mas Elysa provided the much-needed momentum with an attacking 37 off just 32 balls, striking five boundaries and one six to lift Malaysia’s scoring rate.
However, Malaysia struggled to build lasting partnerships. Regular breakthroughs from the Bhutan bowlers kept the pressure on the batting side. Sonam and Ritshi Choden were effective from Bhutan’s bowling attack, with Sonam picking up two crucial wickets while conceding just 24 runs in her four overs. Ritshi Choden bowled with good control, taking one wicket and maintaining an economy of 4.25. Tshering Zangmo also chipped in with a wicket, ensuring Malaysia could not accelerate freely. Malaysia eventually finished on 113 for 6 in their 20 overs, a total that looked slightly below par on a decent batting surface.
In reply, Bhutan Women showed clarity and confidence right from the start. Opener Ngawang Choden played a match defining innings, remaining unbeaten on 78 off 71 balls. Her knock was a perfect blend of patience and aggression, featuring 12 fours and two sixes. She paced the chase brilliantly, ensuring there was no panic despite the modest target. Karma Dema provided early support with 11 runs before being dismissed, while Sonam Paldon fell cheaply, briefly giving Malaysia a ray of hope.
That hope was quickly extinguished as Ngawang Choden found a support partner in Tshering Zangmo. The pair stitched together an important partnership that took the game away from Malaysia. Tshering Zangmo contributed a calm 14 not out, rotating the strike well and allowing Ngawang to play her natural game. Bhutan reached the target of 114 in just 18.3 overs, finishing on 114 for 2 with plenty of wickets and balls to spare.
For Malaysia, Nur Arianna Natsya was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 17 runs in her four overs. However, the lack of sustained pressure from the rest of the bowling unit made the chase straightforward for Bhutan.
Overall, it was a dominant performance from Bhutan Women, highlighted by disciplined bowling and a commanding batting display from Ngawang Choden. The eight-wicket victory strengthened Bhutan’s position in the tri-series and underlined their growing confidence and consistency in the tournament.
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