Malaysia have proved to be the best team in the T20 Tri-series at Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur as they gained their third win out of three at the expense of Thailand who suffered their third defeat in a series that also includes Maldives. Thailand had finished level on points with Malaysia in the ICC T20 Asia Qualifier last year but there was no doubt which was the superior team today as Malaysia beat Thailand by eight wickets with five overs to spare.
Thailand’s innings was undone by the left-arm spin of Anwar Rahman who took three wickets in an over and finished with figures of 4 for 16 to claim the man of the match award. Thailand’s openers Daniel Jacobs and Shafiqul Haque had started well as they shared a partnership of 28 but the introduction of Anwar Rahman proved a master stroke as Naveed Pathan and Nick Janes missed arm balls to be adjudged lbw and Kitiawut Suttisan edged a four then charged down the pitch to be stumped as Thailand lost three wickets in four balls. Anowar Islam soon followed as the score was suddenly 74 for 6 in 12 overs.
Thailand recovered to a respectable total of 127 for 7 thanks to Henno Jordaan who played a very sensible innings as he made an unbeaten 37 from 44 balls and he was well supported by Chanchai Pengkumta who made a composed 18 and Sittipong Hongsi who hit a six and a four from the last two balls of the innings.
Mahsid Faheem bowled well with the new ball as he again claimed an early wicket and Vichanath Singh provided four overs of left arm spin to take one for 20, but Thailand were limited by the absence of Ziaul Hoque who had bowled very economically in the previous two matches.
The end came quickly as Syed Aziz made an unbeaten 57 from 38 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Malaysia reached 129 for 2 in 15 overs to win by eight wickets. Malaysia look certain to win this tri-series as they have won all three of their contests with a match against Maldives to play on Friday. Thailand face Maldives on Saturday and will be looking for a morale boosting victory to end their tour.
