- May 3, 2025
KSA vs MAS (Final) – Highlights
The Quadrangular Twenty20 Series in Kuala Lumpur reached its exhilarating climax on May 2, 2025, with Malaysia securing a hard-fought 18-run victory over Saudi Arabia in the final. This match encapsulated the excitement and unpredictability that define T20 cricket, as both teams battled not only with the bat and ball but with the mounting pressure of a tournament finale.
Malaysia, having been asked to bat first, posted a total of 135/7 in their 20 overs. Despite early setbacks, where they lost wickets at regular intervals, Malaysia’s middle-order stood firm. Aqeel Wahid was the star performer for his team, playing an anchoring role to score 44 off 42 balls. His contribution, which included two boundaries and a six, was vital in providing stability to Malaysia’s innings after early dismissals had threatened to derail their chase for a competitive total. His calmness in the middle ensured that Malaysia had a score that could be defended.
Opening batsman Aslam Khan, though dismissed for just 10, showed a glimpse of what could have been with a rapid strike rate of 166.66. He was supported by the ever-reliable Amir Khan (38 off 37 balls), whose steady knock ensured the partnership laid a solid foundation. However, the pressure of losing wickets regularly weighed heavily on the Malaysian team. The contributions from Sharvin Muniandy (20 off 9 balls) and the lower order, including a valuable unbeaten cameo from Ainool Hafizs (1*), provided the late flourish that propelled the total to a defendable 135.
The bowling attack for Malaysia, led by the ever-impressive Syed Aziz, restricted Saudi Arabia’s chase from the outset. Aziz’s two wickets, along with key contributions from Rizwan Haider, Vijay Unni, and Pavandeep Singh, ensured that Saudi Arabia was never able to build significant partnerships. Unni’s controlled bowling (4-1-18-2) was especially crucial in breaking the back of Saudi Arabia’s batting lineup, while Rizwan Haider’s two wickets for just 11 runs in 2.2 overs were decisive in the final moments of the chase.
Saudi Arabia’s response was sluggish, and despite an enterprising knock by Abdul Waheed (44 off 26 balls), the team was unable to keep up with the required run rate. Waheed’s aggressive strokeplay, which included four fours and three sixes, seemed to hold promise, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that saw Saudi Arabia reduced to 117 all out in 19.2 overs.
The turning point of the match came when Malaysia’s bowlers, with their disciplined line and length, continuously pegged back Saudi Arabia’s progress. The pressure of chasing a modest target caused crucial mistakes, and the run outs and wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Saudi Arabia with little hope. The clinical bowling performance, supported by superb fielding, was the hallmark of Malaysia’s triumph.
Ultimately, the Malaysian team’s combination of solid batting and tactical bowling proved sufficient to clinch an 18-run victory. The team’s energy and resolve were personified by Aqeel Wahid, who was rightfully selected Player of the Match. His composed innings under pressure, alongside the collective efforts of the bowlers, crowned Malaysia as deserving champions of the Quadrangular Twenty20 Series. This victory not only sealed a memorable win for Malaysia but also showcased the emerging strength of their cricketing infrastructure and potential on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia vs Malaysia Scoreboard
Malaysia – 135/7 (20.0)
Saudi Arabia – 117/10 (19.2)
Result – Malaysia won by 18 runs
Player of the match – Ahmed Aqeel
Player of the Series – Virandeep Singh
Virandeep Singh
KSA vs MAS Playing XIs
Saudi Arabia | Waji Ul Hassan (c), Nawazish Akhtar (wk), Ishtiaq Ahmad, Abdul Manan Ali, Imtiaz Khan, Hisham Shaikh, Usman Khalid, Abdul Waheed Ghaffar, Zain Ul Abidin, Faisal Khan, Faizan Tahir |
Malaysia | Syed Aziz Mubarak (c), Ainool Hafizs (wk), Vijay Unni, Rizwan Haider, Pavandeep Singh, Muhammad Wafiq, Sharvin Muniandy, Aslam Khan Malik, Ahmed Aqeel, Virandeep Singh, Amir Khan Malik. |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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