Match Preview: Bhutan vs Bahrain – 3rd T20I, 11 December 2025

Series Overview

The Bahrain Tour of Bhutan 2025 is a five-match T20I series being held at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground in Bhutan, from 8 to 14 December 2025. This third T20I will take place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at 03:30 GMT (09:30 AM local time).

Teams at a Glance

• Bhutan (80th in ICC T20I Rankings): A relatively new force in international cricket, Bhutan has been steadily improving. Playing at home gives them a psychological edge, and they will look to capitalize on the support of the local crowd.

• Bahrain (26th in ICC T20I Rankings): Ranked significantly higher than Bhutan, Bahrain brings more experience and a stronger balance in their squad. They will aim to maintain dominance in the series and continue their winning momentum.

Squad Analysis

Bhutan

Bhutan’s squad features a blend of local talent and emerging players. Key impact players include:

• Thinley Jamtsho – An aggressive opener with a good strike rate.
• Jigme Singye – A reliable middle-order batsman.
• Sonam Yeshey – Known for his all-round contributions with both bat and ball.
• Karma Dorji – A consistent performer with the ball, especially in the death overs.

With two wicket-keepers in Sonam Chophel and Tshering Tashi, Bhutan has flexibility in their batting lineup.

Bahrain

Bahrain boasts a more experienced lineup with several seasoned players:

• Ahmer Bin Nasir (WK) – A key run-scorer and wicket-keeper.
• Abdul Majid – A consistent performer with the bat.
• Ali Dawood – A versatile all-rounder.
• Rizwan Butt – A crucial component in the bowling attack.
• Prashant Kurup (WK) – Offers dual wicket-keeping options.

Bahrain’s balanced squad, with strong bowling and batting depth, gives them an edge in tight contests.

Venue Insights

Gelephu International Cricket Ground has been the host for all matches in the series. The pitch is generally good for batting, with some assistance for spinners in the middle and death overs. The overcast conditions could also play a role in swing and seam movement.

Match Prediction

The 3rd T20I is expected to be a closely contested match. Bhutan, playing at home, will aim to build on any momentum they gained from the first two games. However, Bahrain's superior ranking and experience may give them the upper hand.

Bhutan's strength lies in their home advantage and the potential for a strong batting performance. If their bowlers can restrict Bahrain to a manageable total, they have the firepower to chase it down.

Bahrain, on the other hand, will look to exploit Bhutan’s relative lack of international experience. Their balanced squad and consistent performances make them slight favorites for this match.

Prediction

• Bhutan's Target: 150-160
• Bahrain's Target: 165-175
• Expected Winner: Bahrain by a narrow margin (4-6 runs), based on their superior experience and balanced squad.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Thinley Jamtsho (Bhutan) vs Rizwan Butt (Bahrain) – A crucial opening battle.
• Ahmer Bin Nasir (Bahrain) vs Karma Dorji (Bhutan) – A duel between wicket-keeper batsmen and spinners.
• Ali Dawood (Bahrain) vs Sonam Yeshey (Bhutan) – A battle of all-rounders in the middle overs.

Final Thoughts

This match promises an exciting contest with both teams vying for series momentum. While Bahrain is the stronger side on paper, Bhutan’s home advantage and potential for a strong batting display could make for a thrilling encounter.

Toss Prediction: Bahrain are expected to win the toss and choose to bat first to set a challenging target on a favorable batting track.
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