Maldives and Bhutan registered decisive wins in the final round of preliminary matches in the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Saturday.
The Maldives smote 376 for 7 from their 50 overs before China were dismissed for 61, while Myanmar were skittled for 64, a total which Bhutan overtook in only 9.5 overs for the loss of two wickets.
The starring individual performances of the day were six wicket hauls from the Maldives' Ismail Nihad (6 for 10 v China) and Dasho of Bhutan (6 for 17)
Maldives' charge was lead by Afzal Faiz, whose 93 off 62 balls, included four sixes and nine fours. He received good support from Shafraz Jaleel, who hit 79 off 67 balls.
Li Jian, by Chinese standards, had a good allround game, taking 3 for 57 with the ball before being one of two batsmen to make double figures in China's innings. This is the first time two batsmen have made double figures in the same innings. Li Jian scored 13, including two fours, while Wang Ronggang hit 21 off 49 balls. Unfortunately, like China's previous two innings, extras was the highest scorer (22).
Play resumes tomorrow after today's rest day. Oman play the Maldives and Thailand meet Bhutan in the semi-finals. The winners play in the final on Wednesday.
Group A
P W L NR Pts
Oman 3 3 0 0 6
Bhutan 3 2 1 0 4
Brunei 3 1 2 0 2
Myanmar 3 0 3 0 0
Group B
P W L NR Pts
Thailand 3 3 0 0 6
Maldives 3 2 1 0 4
Iran 3 1 2 0 2
China 3 0 3 0 0