Yoosuf Azyan delivers an all-round performance, taking three wickets before smashing an unbeaten half-century as Maldives chase down 97 in just 10.1 overs.
Maldives made a commanding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 Asia Sub-Regional Qualifier B campaign, defeating China by 10 wickets at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Player of the Match Yoosuf Azyan starred with both bat and ball, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs before guiding Maldives to victory with an unbeaten 52 off 33 deliveries.
After bowling China out for 96 in 16.3 overs, Maldives needed just 10.1 overs to reach 100 without losing a wicket, securing a convincing win and an important two points in their opening Group B fixture.
Azyan’s aggressive innings included five fours and three sixes, while opening partner Mohamed Rishwan provided excellent support with an unbeaten 44 from 29 balls. Rishwan struck four fours and two sixes as the pair put together an unbroken 100-run opening partnership to complete the chase in emphatic fashion.
The victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance that kept China to a modest total. Tharusha Kavinda claimed two wickets for 11 runs, while Ibrahim Rizan took two for seven. Harsha Amarasinghe also made an impact, conceding just five runs in three overs and taking one wicket.
Azyan’s three-wicket haul helped lead the attack, with Umar Adam also contributing a wicket for 12 runs, including a maiden over.
The result gives Maldives an ideal start to their qualification campaign as they seek to finish among the top two teams in Group B and advance to the Regional Finals.
Maldives will return to action against Singapore on Friday, October 9, at the Selangor Turf Club. The match is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. Maldives time (2:00 p.m. Kuala Lumpur time).
Following their dominant opening performance, Maldives will look to carry the momentum into their second fixture as the race for qualification continues.
