The penultimate day of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier in Bangkok witnessed an exhilarating conclusion to Group A, with all four participating teams harboring hopes of securing a berth in the coveted semi-finals. Kuwait, boasting a flawless record of two consecutive victories, squared off against Bahrain, who had notched up one win. Malaysia, also possessing a single triumph, clashed with Thailand. They have yet to taste success, but l need to be in contention for a potential three-team tie on two points. The ultimate standings could have hinged on net run-rate, ensuring an action-packed and unforgettable day for fans and players alike.
However, the spotlight was firmly fixed on Malaysia’s Muhammad Akram, who etched his name in the tournament annals by becoming the first batsman to amass a scintillating hundred. Akram’s masterful 114 powered Malaysia to a formidable total of 241 against Thailand at TCG, ultimately cementing their passage to the semi-finals alongside Kuwait. The latter maintained their unblemished record, notching up their third triumph with a 75-run victory over Bahrain at AIT.
Opting to field after winning the toss, Thailand’s opening bowlers Natpakhan and Paphawit were eager to inflict early damage, but Malaysia’s batters seized control, with both Amzar and Aalif striking a duo of boundaries to conclude the Powerplay on a commanding 42 without loss. Turning to spin, Phanuwat momentarily stifled the scoring rate with a maiden over. However, Malaysia persevered, reaching the 50-run milestone in the 16th over with all wickets intact.
Rain, making its first appearance in the tournament, interrupted proceedings with Malaysia at 65 for one after 18.2 overs. Following a 30-minute delay, play resumed with no overs lost. A second wicket soon tumbled as Amzar’s resilient 53-ball 16 ended, snaffled by the slip fielder off Phanuwat’s guile. The elegant left-handed Akram swiftly picked up the scoring pace, notching four boundaries and forging a fruitful partnership with Ammar as Malaysia crossed the 100-run threshold in the 25th over.
With the scoreboard reading 128, Thailand tasted their third success. Ammar’s promising innings of 24 was curtailed by Pattarapol’s bowling after a 63-run stand. Unfazed, Akram continued to flourish, bringing up a well-crafted 50 from 57 deliveries, studded with five boundaries. Malaysia’s score steadily advanced to 175 for 4 after 40 overs, with Akram emerging as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
As Rayarac claimed the fourth wicket but was unfortunately carried off the field during his third over, Malaysia remained steadfast at the crease. The 200-run barrier was breached in the 45th over, and Akram inched closer to the magical three-figure mark. Encouraged by the coaching staff to support their star batter, the tail-enders lent a helping hand despite wickets falling at the other end.
Reaching 97, Akram dispatched a six-over long-on to complete a magnificent century, a feat accomplished in just 111 balls. His innings eventually culminated in an invaluable 114, driving Malaysia’s total to an imposing 241 for 7.
In an exciting match between Thailand and Malaysia, Thailand had to chase a big score of 242 runs to win. Malaysia’s player, Akram, made the game challenging by scoring a century (100 runs). Although Thailand tried its best and scored its highest total of the tournament, it lost the game. Malaysia won by 113 runs and qualified for the semi-finals.
Another vital match was between Bahrain and Kuwait. Bahrain’s Path to the Semi-Final. They chose to bowl first, and their bowlers did well to slow down Kuwait’s scoring. But Kuwait’s openers, Hinsu and Melrick, played patiently and built a good partnership. Hinsu made 50 runs, while Melrick scored 17. The middle-order batters helped Kuwait reach 201 runs for 6 wickets.
Bahrain’s batters tried hard, with Meet Bhavsar and Usman Patel putting up an intense fight by scoring 125 runs together. But in the end, their team could only score 158 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs, and Kuwait won the game by 43 runs. With this victory, Kuwait stayed unbeaten and topped Group A.
In the match between Bahrain and Kuwait, Bahrain’s batters initially showed promise against Kuwait’s potent bowling attack, which had previously dismantled Thailand’s top order. Although Aryan Ashwin lost his wicket early on, Bahrain still reached a decent 48 for 1. However, spinner Janath’s entry into the attack quickly shifted the momentum in Kuwait’s favor. Janath took three crucial wickets in his first three overs, reducing Bahrain to a struggling 57 for 5 after 13 overs.
Despite the early collapse, Bahrain’s resistance persisted, and opener Abhinav held his ground. They gradually recovered to reach 76 for 5 after 20 overs. Kuwait had to remain patient, and their perseverance paid off as Bahrain’s resilience crumbled. Joswin D’Souza was dismissed for 3 runs, and Abhinav was forced to retire hurt after a well-fought 42 runs from 71 deliveries.
Janath’s impressive off-spin bowling performance ended with figures of 4 for 27, further weakening Bahrain’s batting lineup. Tayyab Zahir and Hamdan became Janath’s victims, and Bahrain was 98 for 7 after 30 overs.
Kuwait’s bowling attack showcased discipline and precision, successfully restricting Bahrain’s batsmen and claiming a resounding 75-run victory. This triumph marked Kuwait’s third consecutive win, propelling them to the top of Group A. Subsequently, Malaysia’s convincing 113-run win over Thailand secured them the second spot in the semi-finals, joining the dominant Kuwait in the tournament’s next stage.
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