Doha: Faisal Khan delivered a scintillating maiden T20I century to lead Saudi Arabia to a commanding five-wicket victory over Cambodia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier on Monday. With this win, Saudi Arabia recorded its second consecutive triumph in the tournament, keeping their hopes alive for qualification.
The Kingdom chased down Cambodia’s target of 162 runs with 28 balls to spare, thanks to Faisal’s explosive 101 off just 42 balls. Faisal, who became the second Saudi player to score a century in the tournament after his elder brother Abdul Waheed, continued to impress as the team’s top performer.
Faisal and Abdul Shine as Opening Partners: Faisal and Abdul shared an electrifying 116-run opening partnership in just 9.5 overs. Abdul contributed a steady 34 before being stumped, leaving Faisal to carry the innings forward. Faisal reached his century in dramatic fashion, smashing a six while on 94, but was dismissed shortly after for 101. His innings included six fours and 10 towering sixes, making it one of the most memorable performances of the tournament.
Reflecting on his achievement, Faisal expressed mixed emotions about his brother’s dismissal during their partnership. “It would have been even more special to share the moment with my brother at the crease. We have come through so much together, and his presence always gives me confidence,” Faisal said.
Elder brother Abdul Waheed, who scored a century in Saudi Arabia’s first match against Bahrain, called it a proud moment for the family. “Seeing Faisal reach the milestone was incredible. It’s a proud day for us and for Saudi cricket. We hope to continue contributing to the team’s success,” he added.
Cambodia’s Total Falls Short: Earlier, Cambodia posted 161/6 after being invited to bat first at the University of Doha for Science and Technology ground. Lakshit Gupta top-scored with a solid 62 off 45 balls, while Luqman Butt and Uday Hathinjar added useful contributions. Despite their strong start, Cambodia’s momentum faltered due to disciplined bowling by Saudi Arabia, with Ishtiaq Ahmad and Usman Najeeb taking two wickets each.
Saudi Arabia’s Qualification Hopes: Saudi Arabia has now won three consecutive matches after losing their opening two games to Bahrain and the UAE. The victory places them fourth on the points table with four points, trailing Thailand, Qatar, and the UAE.
Faisal emphasized the importance of their upcoming matches, calling them “two finals” for the team. Saudi Arabia is set to face Thailand on Tuesday before a potential decider against hosts Qatar on Thursday. “We are focused on taking one match at a time. A win is the only result that will keep us in contention, and we are determined to give our best,” he said.
Driving Cricket Development in Saudi Arabia: Faisal also highlighted the significance of the tournament for cricket development in Saudi Arabia. “Reaching the next stage will open more opportunities for us, including better training facilities and international exposure. This tournament is not just about winning but about building a future for cricket in the Kingdom,” he added.
The top two teams from the Asia Qualifier will advance to the regional finals, bringing them closer to a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With strong performances from players like Faisal and Abdul, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to leave a mark on the tournament and elevate the sport’s profile in the region.
The final round of regional qualifiers will feature teams like Malaysia, Kuwait, Samoa, and Japan, alongside regional heavyweights Nepal, Oman, and Papua New Guinea. Saudi Arabia is determined to join this elite group, signaling a new era for cricket in the Kingdom.
