Hong Kong Secures Semi-Final Spot Alongside Oman After Defeating Saudi Arabia by Seven Wickets – Cricket World Cup

The sixth day of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier in Bangkok marked the conclusion of Group B’s matches. The decisive fixtures saw Saudi Arabia face off against Hong Kong and China at TCG. At the same time, Bhutan and Oman battled it out at AIT. With Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong having previously defeated Bhutan and suffered losses to Oman, the victor of their match would join Oman in the semi-finals.

The Saudi Arabian squad reached 133 runs, largely thanks to a remarkable last-wicket partnership that yielded 52 crucial runs. However, their efforts were ultimately eclipsed by a determined Hong Kong side. Chasing down the target with commendable efficiency, Hong Kong secured victory in just 25.4 overs, losing only three wickets. Meanwhile, at AIT, Oman held their nerve to seal a three-wicket win over Bhutan, who had posted a competitive total of 141 runs in their 50 overs.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss at TCG, Saudi Arabia’s innings got off to a confident start, with left-handed captain Rayyan Khan dispatching two cover drives for four runs off Daniel Mapp’s bowling. Despite Hashir’s early dismissal for a single run, courtesy of a direct hit from Taran Laungani, Rayyan maintained his aggressive approach, smashing his third boundary off Mapp before launching a mighty six over mid-off. Zuber’s brief cameo ended abruptly when he was dismissed by Rishan Shah, who had previously taken an impressive 7 for 21 against Oman. Saudi Arabia found themselves at 29 for 2.

Rayyan Khan continued to impress, displaying many attacking shots in the initial 10 overs. He comprised 26 out of 32 for 2, forming the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s batting effort. However, his penchant for aerial strokes eventually led to his downfall, as he was caught at mid-on off Shah’s bowling. With their captain’s dismissal, Saudi Arabia’s scoring rate plummeted, and they reached 40 for 3 after 15 overs.

Hong Kong, China, and Kuwait locked horns in the first semi-final of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter at TCG. Both teams entered the match riding high on their recent triumphs, eager to secure a berth in the final.

Kuwait emerged victorious in this thrilling contest, clinching a four-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. Chasing a competitive total of 146 set by Hong Kong, China, Kuwait’s batters displayed remarkable composure and skill. Kuwait’s bowling attack also proved effective, restricting Hong Kong and China to a modest total.

Shiv Mathur, the standout batsman for Hong Kong, China, continued his fine form with a gritty half-century. However, his efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Kuwait’s clinical performance as they successfully navigated the challenging run chase.

This victory propels Kuwait to the final of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The triumph also serves as a testament to Kuwait’s rising prowess in cricket and its ambition to become a force to be reckoned with in the international arena.

At the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), an enthralling encounter between Oman and Bhutan unfolded as the two teams locked horns in a crucial match. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Oman’s decision appeared to pay off, as Bhutan found themselves in early trouble at 11 for 1. However, Bhutan displayed grit and determination, reaching 33 for 1 in the first 10 overs before Ronak Pradhan’s unfortunate run out for 14.

Tenzin Rabgay played a spirited knock, guiding Bhutan to 59 for 2 after 15 overs, with a quickfire 30 from 32 balls, laced with 4 fours and a six. However, Oman’s bowling attack soon regained control, as Tenzin’s entertaining innings ended on 44 from 56 balls. His dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, with Bhutan reeling at 84 for 5 and Sampath claiming two wickets in two balls.

Amidst the chaos, Anuj Pradhan stood firm like a rock, compiling a patient and unbeaten 41 from 126 balls, which included 4 well-timed fours. His monumental effort ensured Bhutan avoided a complete collapse and posted a competitive total of 141 for 7 in 50 overs.

Chasing a modest target of 142, Oman faced an inspired Bhutanese bowling attack. Sangay Dorji drew first blood in the third over, dismissing Jeet Shah for a mere 3 runs. He continued his destructive spell by getting Sumanasekera leg-before-wicket for 9, leaving Oman struggling at 20 for 2. With a mounting required run rate, Oman reached 37 for 2 after 10 overs, as Sangay completed his brilliant opening spell with figures of 2 for 18 in 6 overs.

Bhutan’s relentless bowling attack further dismantled Oman’s top order, with Chedra Jamtsho claiming two crucial scalps. Oman was in deep trouble at 47 for 4, as Gaurav Dinesh (14) and Saumya Sampath (12) departed quickly. With the match hanging in the balance, Bhutan’s spirited efforts instilled hope for a remarkable victory against the odds.

As the match at AIT between Oman and Bhutan progressed, Oman found themselves in a precarious position, losing their fifth wicket with the score of 60, as Habibulla was adjudged leg-before-wicket to Tenzin. With 82 runs still required and only five wickets remaining, Oman’s chances of victory were dwindling. However, Sharkar’s brief cameo of 20 runs provided:

  • Some respite for Oman.
  • Helping them reach 90 runs before he fell prey to Ronak.
  • The eighth bowler was utilized by Bhutan.

Oman was left struggling at 90 for 6 in 25 overs.

Aneek and Nitish joined forces to stabilize Oman’s innings, gradually chipping away at the target. Their partnership enabled Oman to score 118 for 6 after 30 overs, requiring 24 more runs with 20 overs left in the match. Bhutan continued to fight back, with Chedra claiming his third victim in Aneek, as Oman lost their seventh wicket on 125.

Despite the mounting pressure, Nitish held his nerve and displayed remarkable composure to steer Oman towards the target. His unbeaten 33 runs proved the difference between the two sides, as Oman secured a hard-fought victory by three wickets. This result catapulted Oman to the top with three wins, setting up a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Malaysia at AIT.

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