Bayuemas Cricket Oval, April 29 — In a crucial match of the Malaysia Quadrangular T20I Series 2025, Singapore found themselves in deep waters after a disappointing batting display against a disciplined Saudi Arabia bowling attack. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Singapore could only muster 112/8 in their allotted 20 overs, leaving them with a mountain to climb as Saudi Arabia gets ready to chase.
Saudi Arabia, who entered this match with a clear edge and growing confidence, lived up to the expectations with an all-round bowling effort. Ishtiaq Ahmad emerged as the star of the innings, claiming 3 wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. He was brilliantly supported by Zain Ul Abidin (3/10), who applied the brakes in the middle overs and cleaned up the lower order.
Singapore’s Stuttering Start and Middle-Order Collapse
Singapore never looked settled right from the beginning. The tone was set early when opener Jonty Scott Iggo fell for a duck in the very first over, caught by Waji Ul Hassan off Ishtiaq Ahmad. Aritra Dutta, one of the more experienced batters, tried to push the tempo but was dismissed for 8 in the second over. The top order crumbled as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Chandramauli Sridev (29 off 36) and skipper-wicketkeeper Manpreet Singh (40 off 33) provided some hope with a steady partnership that temporarily stabilized the innings. However, once Sridev was stumped trying to up the ante and Singh holed out in the death overs, the rest of the batting offered little resistance.
Lower-order efforts from Harsh Venkataram (7*) and Daksh Pratap Singh Tyagi (5*) added a few precious runs, but a total of 112 was clearly below par.
Saudi Arabia’s Bowling Discipline Pays Off
The Saudi bowlers showcased not just skill but strategic clarity. Ishtiaq Ahmad was lethal, combining pace variation and tight lines to choke Singapore’s scoring. Zain Ul Abidin’s 4-over spell of 3/10 was a highlight — his accuracy and turn proving difficult to negotiate for the batters.
Even the likes of Usman Najeeb and Usman Khalid chipped in with economical spells, maintaining consistent pressure. Abdul Waheed, although expensive, bowled just one over in the slog overs.
The fielding unit supported the bowlers well, with sharp catching and alert ground work that prevented Singapore from accelerating at any stage of the innings.
Saudi Arabia, with a live win probability of 97% heading into the chase, are firm favourites. A win here would significantly boost their position in the points table and reinforce their credentials as a team to watch in this tournament.
Singapore, on the other hand, will need a miraculous bowling performance to defend this modest total. With just 112 on the board, they must rely on early wickets and disciplined spin to pull off an unlikely win.
Quick Score Summary:
Singapore: 112/8 in 20 overs
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Manpreet Singh: 40 (33)
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Chandramauli Sridev: 29 (36)
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Ishtiaq Ahmad: 4-0-20-3
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Zain Ul Abidin: 4-0-10-3
Saudi Arabia: Yet to Bat
