Saudi Arabia, Cambodia set up title clash in ACC Men's Challenger Cup

Saudi Arabia and Cambodia set up title clash in the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) Men’s Challenger Cup 2024 after wins over Japan and Singapore respectively at the TerdThai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Friday (February 9, 2024).

The Saudis sored a comprehensive win over Japan, winning by 10 wickets after the west Asian nation’s bowlers had done well to restrict the east Asian nation to just 97/8 in the allotted 20 overs.

Right-arm medium pacers Ishtiaq Ahmad (3/15 in four) and Usman Najeeb (3/13 in four) stalled the Japanese who found the scoring tough. Declan Suzuki Mccomb was the top-scorer with 26, taking 21 balls. He and No. 9 Reo Sakurano (10 off 8) were the only ones to score at more than run a ball as others in the Japanese camp struggled.

The Saudi openers cruised to the target in nine overs with right-handed opener Faisal Khan smashing 33-ball 72 not out. He hit 10 fours and four sixes. Fellow opener Abdul Waheed remained unbeaten on 23 off 21 balls.

In the other match, Singapore were all out for 109 on the last ball of the 20th over. The 20-year-old right-hander Raoul Sharma scored 39 off 34 balls to top-score.

Off-spinner Ram Raushan Sharan took 3/14 while Sharwan Godara (2/18), Ghulam Murtaza Chughtai (2/23) and Utkarsh Jain (2/20) took two wickets each for Cambodia.

The Cambodians then banked on Sharan’s unbeaten 61 off 46 balls to chase the target, reaching 113/4 in 14.5 overs.

The Saudis and Cambodians now face each other in the final on Sunday (February 11, 2024) at 1.50 pm (Thailand time) which is 9.50 am Saudi Arabian time and 1.50 pm Cambodia time.

Their match will follow the 3rd place play-off between Singapore and Japan at 9.30 am (Thailand time) which is 10.30 am Singapore time and 11.30 am in Japan.   

Cricket, ACC Men's Challenger Cup, T20, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Asian Cricket Council