The Indonesian national team is fighting it out in the T20 world cup qualifying tournament in Philippines and had a tough start ending Round 1 without any wins having lost all their 3 games in closely fought, last over thrillers. Chasing 137 to win in their first game against Japan, Indonesia was in the driver’s seat needing just 34runs in 8 overs, when their skipper Muhaddis was run out. A batting collapse then ensued causing them fall short by 12 runs in the end.
In the second game, a great spell of 4 for 10 from Kirubasankar ensured that Korea could only manage 139 in their first innings. The Indonesian reply started disastrously as they lost their first 4 wickets for just 13 runs. Gamantika Kadek, then played, probably the best knock in the tournament so far as he initially rebuilt and then, accelerated the Indonesian reply. Despite his fabulous unbeaten 71, Indonesia fell short by a mere 7 runs in the end.
Philippines were looking good to post a big total in Indonesia’s third game, when Anjar Tadarus bowled a brilliant spell and his 5 for 32 helped restrict Philippines to a manageable 156 runs. Anjar & Muhaddis started Indonesia’s reply in a blazing fashion getting 36 in the first 3 overs. They both, however, fell in quick succession and it needed a gritty 83 run partnership between Kirubasankar & Ramdoni to bring Indonesia back in the game. Just 17 runs were needed in the last 2 overs, but the Indonesian batsmen once again fell just short by 4 runs.
With 3 matches still to go in Round 2 of the competition, Indonesia would aim to win all three and hope other results go their way.
