In the semi-final of the Lotus Cup Women’s Tri-Series 2026, Bhutan Women will take on Malaysia Women at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground. Bhutan Women have had a decent run in this tri-series, with two victories in their campaign so far. But they will be moving into the semi-final with a loss in their hands and they will be hoping that they can bounce back strongly against Malaysia Women. On the other hand, Malaysia Women have had a terrible run in the tournament so far, with four consecutive losses against both teams combined. However, as they already have a chance to qualify to the final, they will be looking to give it their all to go through.
Squads:
Bhutan Women’s Cricket Team
Thinley Lhamo, Sonam Choden, Dechen Wangmo, Karma Tshomo, Choki Wangmo, Tshering Lhamo, Pema Choden, Sonam Yangzom, Tashi Dema, Yangchen Lhamo, Ugyen Choden
Malaysia Women’s Cricket Team
Winifred Duraisinga, Elsa Hunter, Nur Arianna Natsya, Aisya Eleesa, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Nur Dania Syuhada, Mas Elysa, Ainaa Hamizah Hashim, Nur Izzati Rosnani, Suabika Manivannan, Siti Nazwah Azman
Players to watch out:
Ngwang Choden
Bhutan’s most reliable batter in the Lotus Cup so far, Ngwang Choden has consistently scored runs for her side while opening the innings. She has given her side crucial starts and has scored 152 runs from 4 outings this series, proving her worth in the format. She will be an important player to watch out for, with her technical ability and her ability to find boundaries with ease.
Ritshi Choden
Ritshi Choden has been a key wicket-taker for Bhutan in the Lotus Cup so far. She has the ability to move the ball and has been in fine touch in recent games. She has picked up 7 wickets in four games this season and even scalped an important 3 wicket haul in her last match against Hong Kong Women. She will be a key pacer for her side in the semi-final.
Ainnah Hamizah
Ainna Hamizah has been a brilliant all-rounder for Malaysia across the years with her ability to contribute with both bat and ball. She has been a key performer for the side in recent matches with her consistency all-round. She has scored 109 runs and picked up 2 wickets in 4 matches this series. She scored a decent 44 against Hong Kong Women and picked up a wicket as well. She will be a valuable asset for the side in this must-win.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gelephu offers a balanced surface, with the pitch offering some movement and bounce to the seamers early on in the innings. As the match progresses, it becomes a little bit more favourable for the batting side while the spinners can still find something in the pitch to work with.
Weather:
The forecast predicts light rain and a high of 23°C, with a 30% chance of precipitation during the day and a 19% chance at night. Expect rain delays and interruptions if the skies don’t clear.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Winifred Duraisingam, Thinley Zangmo, Elsa Hunter, Dechen Wangmo, Mas Elysa, Sonam Peldon, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Anju Gurung, Siti Nazwah Azman, Choden Wangmo, Nur Ain Ramli
Match Details:
Date – January 27, 2026
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Gelephu International Cricket Ground, Bhutan
Broadcast – T.B.C.
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