Despite losing to Kuwait in the final match of the group stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia qualifier, Bahrain has entered the semi-finals of the tournament.
In the match held today at Mulpani Cricket ground, Bahrain reached the semi-finals due to a better run rate. Bahrain reached the semi-finals as the runner-up of Group B, leaving behind Hong Kong and Kuwait on the basis of net run rate.
Kuwait completed the victory target of 159 runs set by Bahrain at the loss of 6 wickets in 16.3 overs. Usman Patel was the top scorer with 64 runs for Kuwait. He has contributed the most 64 runs in 34 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes.
Similarly, captain Mohammad Aslam scored 36, Dizur Shili contributed 22 and Bilal Tahir and Zayed Munib scored 15 runs each.
On the bowling side, Bahrain's Ali Dawood and Rizwan Butt took 2 wickets each, while Abdul Majeed took one wicket.
Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Bahrain, lost 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs to score 158 runs. Imran Anwar was the top scorer with 37 runs for Bahrain.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ended up as group winner with six points and will meet host Nepal in the semi-finals.
Both semi-final matches will start at 11:00 am on Friday. Nepal and UAE will face each other at Mulpani Cricket Stadium while the second semi-final match between Oman and Bahrain will be played at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
The winners of both the semi-final matches will qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup cricket to be held in West Indies and the United States of America in 2024.
.
