Castel, August 21, 2024: Denmark registered a commanding 118-run victory over the Czech Republic in the 3rd match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier Group C at King George V Sports Ground. Denmark’s captain, Hamid Shah, starred with a brilliant century, leading his team to a formidable total that the Czech Republic could not match.
Match Report:
Denmark Innings: After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Denmark put up an impressive total of 225/6 in their 20 overs. Captain Hamid Shah led the charge with a sensational knock of 100 off 58 balls, becoming the highest individual scorer for Denmark in T20Is, surpassing his own previous record of 99. Shangeev Thanikaithasan provided valuable support with a quickfire 34 off 16 balls. The Danish innings was further boosted by an 81-run partnership between Hamid Shah and Surya Anand, setting a new record for Denmark’s highest 4th wicket stand in T20Is.
The Czech Republic’s bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive Danish batting. Sazib Bhuiyan was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/23 in his 3 overs, while Riaz Afridi claimed 2/47.
Czech Republic Innings: In response, the Czech Republic struggled to get going and managed only 107/8 in their 20 overs. Dylan Steyn top-scored with 29 off 17 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against a disciplined Danish bowling attack. Toqeer Ahmad was the standout bowler for Denmark, taking 3/21, while Eshan Karimi chipped in with 1/5 in his 2 overs. The Czech Republic’s batting woes were compounded by Abul Farhad, who conceded the most runs in a T20I innings for the Czech Republic, giving away 49 runs.
Key Performances:
- Hamid Shah (Denmark): 100 off 58 balls, the highest individual score in T20Is for Denmark.
- Toqeer Ahmad (Denmark): 3/21 in 3 overs, crucial in dismantling the Czech batting order.
- Sazib Bhuiyan (Czech Republic): 2/23 in 3 overs, the best of the Czech bowlers.
Brief Scores:
Denmark: 225/6 in 20 overs (Hamid Shah 100, Shangeev Thanikaithasan 34; Sazib Bhuiyan 2/23)
Czech Republic: 107/8 in 20 overs (Dylan Steyn 29, Toqeer Ahmad 3/21)
Result: Denmark won 118 Runs
Player of the Match: Hamid Shah on his exceptional batting
Denmark’s comprehensive performance, led by Hamid Shah’s century, secured them a dominant 118-run win, maintaining their strong start in the tournament. The Czech Republic will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive in the remaining matches of the Europe Qualifier.