The 16th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B 2024 was an exciting game between Thailand vs. Saudi Arabia at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. Thailand batted first and scored 133/7 in 20 overs, with Akshaykumar Yadav’s brilliant 60 runs leading the way. However, Saudi Arabia’s bowlers, led by Zain Ul Abidin, kept the target manageable.
In response, Saudi Arabia chased the target of 134 confidently, finishing at 136/5 in 18.4 overs. Sidharth Sankar played a steady knock of 37 runs, supported by Faisal Khan’s quick 34. Saudi Arabia won by five wickets with eight balls left, making it a memorable victory in the qualifiers.
Match Overview (Thailand vs. Saudi Arabia)
- Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha
- Toss Winner: Saudi Arabia (elected to field)
- Result: Saudi Arabia won by 5 wickets
- Player of the Match: Zain Ul Abidin (Saudi Arabia)
First Innings: Thailand Struggles Against Saudi Arabia’s Bowling
Thailand batted first and managed to post a total of 133/7 in their 20 overs. Despite a strong performance by opener Akshaykumar Yadav, who scored a fighting 60 runs off 51 balls (7 fours, 1 six), the rest of the lineup struggled against Saudi Arabia’s disciplined bowling attack.
Key Highlights:
- Chaloemwong Chatphaisan (13 runs off 12 balls) provided brief support but couldn’t convert his start.
- A late cameo by Austin Lazarus (35 runs off 25 balls) helped push the total to a competitive score.
For Saudi Arabia, Zain Ul Abidin (2/19) and Abdul Waheed (2/25) were the standout bowlers, dismantling the middle order at crucial stages.
Second Innings: Saudi Arabia's Confident Chase
Chasing a target of 134, Saudi Arabia displayed composure and aggressive intent. They reached the target in 18.4 overs, scoring 136/5.
Key Performances:
- Sidharth Sankar anchored the chase with an unbeaten 37 runs off 37 balls, ensuring stability at one end.
- Quick-fire knocks by Faisal Khan (34 runs off 22 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six) and Usman Khalid (21 runs off 14 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking.
Thailand’s bowlers tried hard, with Nopphon Senamontree (2/23) being the pick of the bowlers, but the total proved insufficient to defend.
Player of the Match: (Zain Ul Abidin)
Zain Ul Abidin shone as the Player of the Match for Saudi Arabia. His outstanding bowling figures of 2/19 in 4 overs played a key role in limiting Thailand to 133/7. He also contributed with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 13 runs, ensuring a smooth chase. Zain’s all-round performance was instrumental in securing Saudi Arabia’s five-wicket victory in the T20 Qualifier.
Points Table Impact
With this win, Saudi Arabia secured crucial points in the Qualifier, solidifying their position in the tournament. Thailand, on the other hand, has more work to do if they aim to stay in contention for the World Cup spots.
Match Insights
- Saudi Arabia’s Bowling Depth: The combination of Zain Ul Abidin, Abdul Waheed, and Faisal Khan made it difficult for Thailand to build partnerships.
- Thailand’s Batting Reliance: The team relied heavily on Akshaykumar Yadav’s knock, exposing the vulnerability of their middle order.
- Calm Under Pressure: Sidharth Sankar’s composed innings in the chase showcased Saudi Arabia’s temperament in crunch situations.
Looking Ahead
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B progresses, Saudi Arabia will look to maintain their winning momentum, while Thailand will need to regroup and strategize to bounce back stronger in their upcoming matches.
This game highlights the spirit of T20 cricket, where every performance batting, bowling, and fielding, plays a crucial role in determining the outcome. Stay tuned for more thrilling matches from the qualifiers!
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