Maldives beat China in the 3rd and 4th Playoff at Chiang Mai Gymkhana to clinch third place in the ACC U-19 Challenge Cup. Maldives dominated the match, winning by 155 runs. China were disciplined in the field but ultimately their fallibility against spin-bowling was again exposed.
Maldives won the toss and had no hesitation in batting. Mihusan Hamid and Husham Ibrahim put on 120 for the 2nd wicket in just under 23 overs; Mihusan made his 74 off 93 deliveries and Husham made his 70 off 71. They made an interesting contrast in style. Mihusan more studied and correct, Husham more flamboyant and powerful. Both hit on the up through the line and dispatched the loose ball well and took plenty of singles to disrupt the Chinese bowlers of whom Zhang Yufei was the pick with 3-52 off his ten overs. Both Mihusan and Husham benefited from let-offs early on and had the chances been held, such has been the fragility of the Maldives tail. China could have really kept the Maldives in check.
As it was, Maldives made 275 and it was always going to be very difficult for China. Particularly when they are rooted to the crease against spin-bowlers, particularly when Maldives have high-quality spinners.
Some good strokes were played but a stroke a campaign doesn't make and as soon as spin was introduced in the ninth over of the innings, China's batsmen were struggling. They play pace well undoubtedly, but not yet spin. Left-handed Zhao Xu drove one glorious soaring 6 over mid-on against Mihusan Hamid but it was Hamid who picked up five Chinese wickets with his tossed-up offspin and seven men around the bat.
China were all out for 120.
ACC U-19 Challenge Cup
Third and Fourth Place Playoff
China v Maldives at Gymkhna
MALDIVES BEAT CHINA BY 155 RUNS
Maldives won the toss and chose to bat
Maldives: 275 for 8 off 50 overs (M. Hamid 74, A. Hassan 30, H. Ibrahim 70; L. Jian 3-52)
China: 120 all out after 29.1 overs (M. Hamid 5-38)
Man of the Match: Mihusan Hamid (Maldives)
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