5TH/6TH PLACE, MATCH 17- THAILAND VS MALDIVES , ACC MENS CHALLENGER CUP 2024
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Bhutan were playing Maldives in the seventh place play-off with both sides looking for their first win of the tournament. Maldives won the toss and elected to bat giving Bhutan another chance to chase a target. Bhutan were well placed at the halfway stage but collapsed to lose by 32 runs.

Maldives have batted fairly well in the tournament but Tenzin Wangchuk was a prolific wicket-taker. Wangchuk struck twice in his second over thanks to a running catch at mid-off and by hitting the stumps. Maldives were 19 for 3 after five overs but Thinley Jamtsho lifted the pressure by conceding 11 from the 6th over.

Bhutan’s spinners were taking control as the fourth wicket fell on 39 and a catch was dropped two balls later but Shaof hit a six to bring up the fifty in the 10th over.

Yoosuf Aryan batted through the innings against Thailand and he played the anchor role again today. Maldives were 92 for 5 after 15 overs thanks to Shaof’s cameo of 34 in 16and the tail-enders were able to hit out effectively as Maldives reached 137 for 8 after Yoosuf was dismissed for 43 in 45 balls.

Ibrahim Hassan took two early wickets as he twice hit the stumps with Bhutan struggling on 6 for 2. Jigme Dorji hit a pair of fours but Maldives were still on top with Bhutan on 29 for 2 after six overs.

Ranjung Dorji was lbw to Nazwan to leave Bhutan on 33 for 3. Sherab Lodgay pulled a bounday and then just cleared mid-wicket as Bhutan were 60 for 3 after 10 overs.

Bhutan were ahead on comparison at the halfway stage but Jigme Dorji was run out from the first ball of the 11th over for 30. Thinley Jamtsho came to the crease hoping to repeat his innings against Cambodiia. He managed only four and Yoosuf Azyan took 2 for 27 with his leg-spin.

Bhutan declined badly in the second half of their innings and Hassan Ibrahim finished them off with two wickets in two balls to take 4 for 12 but Yoosuf was awarded player of the match for his all-round performance.

Bhutan were bowled out for 105 in 18.2 overs and Maldives finally gained a victory by 32 runs to claim seventh place.