Hong Kong Women delivered a dominant all-round performance to clinch the Lotus Cup Women’s Tri-Series 2026 Final against Bhutan Women in Gelephu, registering a comprehensive 97-run victory in a one-sided contest that showcased their batting depth and disciplined bowling attack.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Hong Kong Women began with intent but lost their first wicket late in the innings, as Mariko Hill anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 53 balls, striking nine boundaries and one six. Hill formed a vital partnership with captain Natasha Miles, who played a captain’s knock and remained unbeaten on 73 off 54 deliveries, lacing her innings with eight fours and two sixes.
Their 127-run partnership laid the foundation for a commanding total and ensured Hong Kong maintained momentum throughout the innings. The middle overs saw a late flourish from Yasmin Daswani, who contributed a brisk 25 off 12 balls, striking five boundaries at an impressive strike rate of over 200. She provided the much-needed acceleration in the death overs before being dismissed by Gurung. The Hong Kong Women finished with healthy extras of 17 runs, taking them to a strong competitive score of 182/2.
For Bhutan Women, Anju Gurung and Sonam picked up a wicket each, though they were expensive, conceding 37 and 49 runs respectively. Tshering Zangmo, Riya Pradhan, and Tshering Choden bowled economically but struggled to contain the Hong Kong batters in the powerplay and death overs.
In reply, Bhutan Women’s chase never gained momentum as early wickets dented their confidence. Ngawang Choden and Anju Gurung were dismissed cheaply, with Hong Kong’s bowlers exploiting the pressure of the steep target. Karma Dema showed brief resistance with 5 off 9 balls before being run out, further compounding Bhutan’s struggles.
A fighting partnership came from Chado Om, who scored 25 off 43 balls, and Ritshi Choden, who remained unbeaten on 22 off 29 balls, but the scoring rate never matched the required tempo. Sonam Choden and Sonam also chipped in with 9 and 1 respectively, as Bhutan Women finished their innings at 84/7 in 20 overs, falling well short of the target.
Hong Kong’s bowling attack was led by Alison Siu and Kary Chan, who picked up 2 wickets each, maintaining excellent economy rates. Maryam Bibi contributed with a wicket, while Ruchitha Venkatesh, Charlotte Chan, and Emma Lai bowled tight spells to stifle Bhutan’s scoring opportunities, building relentless pressure throughout the innings.
With her match-winning unbeaten 73, Natasha Miles was deservedly named Player of the Match, guiding her team to a clinical title-winning performance. The victory highlighted Hong Kong Women’s growing stature in associate women’s cricket, while Bhutan Women showed glimpses of promise despite being outplayed in the final.
Loves all things female cricket