Saudi Arabia Eliminated from T20 World Cup After Loss to Qatar

In a disappointing turn of events for Saudi Arabia, their aspirations of advancing in the 2026 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup have come to an abrupt end. The team faced a crucial match against Qatar in the final league game of the Asia Qualifier B held in Doha. Unfortunately for the Saudi squad, they were unable to secure a victory, leading to their elimination from the tournament.

On Thursday, Qatar showcased their cricketing prowess by defeating Saudi Arabia by six wickets. The match took place at the University of Doha for Science and Technology Cricket Ground, where Qatar successfully chased down a target of 166 runs in just 17.5 overs. The Saudi team, batting first, managed to score 165 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Saudi Arabia's innings began with promise, as their openers provided a solid foundation. Abdul Waheed was the standout performer, scoring 34 runs off 27 balls, including two fours and two sixes. However, the middle order faltered, failing to build on the good start. Faisal Khan, his brother, contributed 18 runs but was the first wicket to fall. Other players like Abdul Manan Ali, Usman Khalid, and Waji Ul Hassan got starts but could not convert them into significant scores, leaving the team with a total that was just short of competitive.

In response, Qatar's batting lineup was impressive. Saqlain Arshad set the tone early, scoring 45 runs off 32 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. The Player of the Match, Mohamad Ahnaff, played a crucial role in the chase, hitting five sixes and two fours, ultimately scoring a half-century before being dismissed. Muhammad Tanveer also contributed significantly, ensuring that Qatar maintained their momentum with a solid 35 runs off 22 balls.

Despite Mohammed Hisham Shaikh's efforts, who took three wickets for Saudi Arabia, it was not enough to prevent the defeat. The UAE had already secured their place in the next stage of the tournament, finishing at the top of the standings with a perfect record. Qatar's victory allowed them to claim the second spot, while Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain and Thailand, ended the qualifiers with six points each.

As the tournament progresses, the UAE and Qatar will now join teams from Qualifier A, including Malaysia and Kuwait, in the regional finals. This outcome serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of cricket, where every match counts, and the margin for error is slim. For Saudi Arabia, this defeat is a learning opportunity, highlighting the need for stronger performances in future tournaments. As they regroup and reflect on their journey, fans will be hopeful for a brighter future in the world of cricket.