Saudi Arabia Shine in Malaysia Quadrangular Series Despite Narrow Loss to Hosts

Saudi Arabia’s senior men’s cricket team delivered impressive performances over three action-packed days at the Malaysia Quadrangular Series, comfortably defeating Thailand and Singapore before narrowly losing to tournament hosts Malaysia in a thrilling encounter.

In their opening match against Thailand, Saudi Arabia’s batting order initially faltered but recovered thanks to the lower order, reaching a solid total of 156. Thailand struggled in response, crumbling to 90 all out, with standout bowling from Hisham Shaikh, who took four wickets for 15 runs, and Zain Ul-Abidin, who claimed three for 13. Thailand lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs.

Saudi Arabia’s momentum continued against Singapore. Openers Abdul Waheed and Faisal Khan — both of whom have previously scored T20I centuries — provided an explosive start, sharing a rapid 98-run stand in just 8.3 overs. Waheed smashed 55 off 34 balls, while Faisal blasted 62 off only 28 deliveries. Although the innings tapered off to 178 for eight, Saudi Arabia’s bowlers quickly dismantled Singapore’s lineup, bowling them out for 82. Usman Khalid led the charge with figures of three for 13, sealing a dominant 96-run win.

Saturday’s match against Malaysia, with both sides unbeaten, lived up to expectations. Saudi Arabia’s openers once again laid a strong foundation, with Waheed and Faisal putting on 84 runs in 7.3 overs. Waheed went on to score a brilliant 82 off 52 balls. Despite the fast start, Saudi Arabia finished on 182 for seven — a competitive but slightly underwhelming total given their early momentum.

Malaysia’s chase started aggressively, racing to 65 for one after six overs. Saudi captain Waji Ul-Hassan helped slow the run rate with two crucial wickets, but Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh proved to be the difference. Having earlier taken four wickets for 26 runs, Singh played a superb innings, finishing unbeaten on 93 from 57 balls, with eight fours and four sixes. His late onslaught, including a six off a no-ball, secured Malaysia’s five-wicket win with just one ball remaining.

Saudi Arabia will now look forward to the second round of matches, with another clash against Malaysia on the horizon. If current form holds, the two teams seem set for a rematch in the tournament final, promising more thrilling cricket in the days ahead.