DAY 3 -THAILAND AND BHUTAN GAIN FIRST VICTORIES BUT MYANMAR AND CHINA SHOW FIGHTING SPIRIT

The third day of the ACC U16 Eastern Region competition which is being held in Chinag Mai was full of action with a total of 39 wickets falling across the two matches played at Prem International School and Royal Chiang Mai Golf Course. Thailand were victorious over Myanmar and Bhutan defeated China and the margins of victory may look comfortable but there was plenty of encouragement for the defeated teams particularly when they were in the field.

Thailand were soon in trouble against Myanmar as the hosts quickly lost the wickets of both openers without scoring as Kaung Htet Kyaw and Zin Myaw Ko Ko each took a wicket in their first overs. Thailand recovered thanks to a brisk counter-attack from Narawit Nuntarach who hit 27 from 20 balls with 5 fours and a more measured contribution from Chawatrchai Rastanaumnuaykool who made 40 from 51 balls with 4 fours.

Thailand’s lower-order could not continue the fightback as the home team were dismissed for 128 in just 25.1 overs as Kaung Htet Kyaw produced an excellent spell of 3 for 24 in his 7 overs and Myat Sithu Ko finished the innings off with two wickets for three.

Myanmar started confidently as they began their reply before lunch but Thailand were soon back in the match as Yodsak Saranonnakkum took two wickets and Narawit Nuntarach one as Myanmar were 18 for three at the lunch break.

Christopher and Min Htet Shein both reached double figures but the opener was run out and a large proportion of the Myanmar batting order fell bowled or lbw as Yodsak took 4 for 14 and Caloemwong Chatpaisan and Sorawat Desungoen claimed two wickets apiece as Myanmar collapsed to 52 all out in 17 overs.

Thailand had been given quite a surprise by Myanmar who produced a fine performance in the field but the Thai boys had fought back well to claim their first victory of the competition by the apparently convincing margin of 76 runs.

The contest between Bhutan and China held at Royals was very similar to the match played at Prem as Bhutan won by 73 runs but only after China had also given a good account of themselves with the ball.

Bhutan had made a confident start as openers Yeshey Wangchuk and Tenjin Rabgay shared a partnership of 48 inside the first 10 overs but Yanze Li, the sixth bowler to be used, made a big breakthrough with a spell of 3 for 18. Tashi Palden compiled 31 from 54 balls to make the top score in the innings but only three batsmen reached double figures.

Extras reached a remarkable 49 out of a total of 153 for 9 and China contributed far too many wides in a 35-over contest but they had remained competitive throughout Bhutan’s innings and would have hoped to be able to chase down their target in the afternoon.

China’s young batsmen did find building an innings difficult but again thanks to a large number of extras they were able to keep the run-rate over four runs an over which would have brought them close if they had batted out the 35 overs. In fact, only Shenjian Zheng reached double figures as China were bowled out for 80 in 20.1 overs, Kingzang Wangchuk and Sonam Yeshi both claiming three wickets.

Thailand and Bhutan had both lost their opening contests in the ACC U16 Eastern Region competition against stronger opposition but had recovered well to win their second matches and they each have two points from in their respective group tables. China have a single point from a no result against Hong Kong and Myanmar have lost both their matches.

The fourth day will see Hong Kong taking on Singapore at Prem knowing in a match that could decide the winners of Group B, while Myanmar face Malaysia in Group A at Royals in what could be their final match of the tournament.