BHU vs BHR (1st T20I) – Highlights
Bahrain commenced their tour of Bhutan in commanding fashion, registering a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the hosts in the first T20I at Gelephu. The match, played on December 8, 2025, showcased a clinical all-round performance from the visitors, who outplayed BHU in both the batting and bowling departments. The star of the show was undoubtedly Asif Ali, whose blistering half-century and handy bowling spell earned him the Player of the Match award. This victory gives Bahrain an early advantage in the series, while Bhutan will be left reflecting on a batting display that lacked the necessary application to challenge the visitors on home soil.
The home side’s innings got off to a disastrous start after they were put under pressure early by the Bahraini seamers. Captain Thinley Jamtsho tried to counter-attack but fell for a quickfire six, and his opening partner Namgay Thinley followed shortly after, leaving Bhutan reeling at seven for two within the first two overs. The procession continued as the middle order struggled to cope with the disciplined lines bowled by the visitors. Despite brief resistance from Namgang Chejay and Ranjung Mikyo Dorji, the hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 46 for five in the tenth over, with the run rate hovering well below six runs per over.
It required a spirited counter-attack from Tenzin Wangchuk to drag the team towards a respectable total. Wangchuk blasted four boundaries and a six in his 18-ball 31, showing the intent that was missing earlier in the innings. He found a willing partner in Jigme Singye, who anchored the innings with a patient 28 off 32 balls. However, once their partnership was broken, the tail failed to wag effectively. The Bahraini bowlers shared the spoils, ensuring that BHU never gained momentum. Abdul Majid was the pick of the bowlers in terms of economy, conceding just 11 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets. Asif Ali also made his presence felt with the ball, taking two wickets for 19 runs to stifle the middle order, eventually bowling Bhutan out for 115 in the final over.
Chasing a modest target of 116, BHR approached the task with aggression and clarity. Opener Asif Ali was in a punishing mood, dismantling the Bhutanese bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries. He dominated the opening stand, scoring a match-winning 58 off just 40 deliveries. His innings was studded with five fours and four towering sixes, striking at a rate of 145. Prashant Kurup provided solid support at the other end, scoring 21 runs and helping to raise a 50-run partnership for the first wicket that effectively sealed the game within the powerplay.
Although Bhutan managed to dismiss both openers, the damage had already been done, and the asking rate was never a concern for the touring side. Fiaz Ahmed walked in and ensured there were no further hiccups, blasting an unbeaten 32 off 23 balls to guide BHR home. Alongside Naveena Shetty, Ahmed finished the game in style, crossing the finish line in just 13.3 overs with 39 balls to spare. The comfortable win highlights the gap in execution between the two sides on the day, leaving Bhutan with much to ponder ahead of the second match.
Bhutan vs Bahrain Scoreboard
Bhutan – 115 /10 (19.2)
Bahrain – 116/2 (13.3)
Result – Bahrain won by 8 wickets (with 39 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Asif Ali
Asif Ali
BHU vs BHR Playing XIs
Bhutan | Namgay Thinley, Thinley Jamtsho (c), Namgang Chejay, Ranjung Mikyo Dorji, Jigme Singye, Gakul Ghalley, Tshering Tashi (wk), Tenzin Wangchuk, Tashi Dorji, Karma Dorji, Sonam Yeshey |
Bahrain | Asif Ali, Prashant Kurup (wk), Fiaz Ahmed, Naveena Shetty, Ahmer Bin Nasir (c), Ali Dawood, Abdul Majid, Junaid Aziz, Asif Shaikh, Imran Anwar, Imran Khan |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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