UAE vs Saudi Arabia Highlights: Saudi Arabia Wins by 11 Runs
UAE’s Chase Falls Short as Saudi Arabia Holds Their Nerve to Secure Victory in December 19, 2024, T20 Match

Saudi Arabia Defeats UAE by 11 Runs in Thrilling T20 Clash
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia played an exciting Twenty20 cricket match on December 19, 2024, with Saudi Arabia winning by an impressive 11 runs. With a combination of power hitting, clever bowling, and outstanding fielding, the match showcased the best of T20 cricket and had some thrilling moments. It was played under lights. Despite a tough battle between the two sides, Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, effectively defending their difficult total to secure a well-deserved victory.
Saudi Arabia’s Stellar Performance with the Bat
Saudi Arabia started their innings with the intention of amassing a significant total, but there were difficulties along the way. The bowlers from the UAE applied early pressure to the opening batsman, taking advantage of the new pitch conditions. Usman Najeeb and Nawazish Akhtar, on the other hand, guided the squad to a strong base with their poise. The middle overs saw the dismissal of both players, but they set the stage for the rest of the innings.
Key to Saudi Arabia’s total of 182/8 was their ability to accelerate in the latter stages of the innings. Nawazish Akhtar’s boundary and Usman Najeeb’s six were particularly noteworthy as they contributed vital runs during their brief stints at the crease. Even with frequent wicket losses, including notable dismissals by the UAE’s fast bowlers, Saudi Arabia’s late-order batsmen kept contributing crucial runs to guarantee their team finished with a score that could be defended.
The standout moment came in the 18th over, when Usman Najeeb’s power-hitting propelled the total beyond 180, a mark that would prove difficult for UAE to chase. Even though the UAE bowlers tried to restrict the flow of runs, it was Saudi Arabia’s depth in batting that gave them the upper hand in the first innings.
UAE’s Chase: A Fight Full of Hope and Struggles
With confidence, the UAE began the innings in the hopes of reaching the 183-run victory target. The second over was a duck. The required run rate began to rise when Saudi Arabia’s bowlers made an early breakthrough that stopped the UAE’s momentum.
The chase was maintained by the UAE’s middle order, which was led by Rahul Chopra and Asif Khan, despite the early setback. Chopra’s aggressive boundaries kept the UAE in the match, while Asif Khan’s power hitting was on full display as he struck a string of sixes, especially off Usman Khalid’s bowling.
But each time the duo looked set to build a partnership, Saudi Arabia’s bowlers applied the pressure with timely breakthroughs.
The turning point came when Asif Khan, having been the backbone of UAE’s chase, was dismissed, leaving the team with a mountain to climb. His departure was followed by another key wicket, that of Syed Haider, who had been looking in good touch. With the required run rate escalating, UAE found themselves chasing the game rather than controlling it.
Despite a few fireworks from Rahul Chopra, the UAE were unable to maintain the required pace, and wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. The UAE ended their innings at 171/5 after 20 overs, falling short by 11 runs with just 11 runs needed from the last over.
Crucial Events that Shaped the Game
Usman Najeeb’s Crucial Six: Usman Najeeb’s late six gave Saudi Arabia a competitive score, making it one of the game’s turning points. His hitting in the final overs increased his team’s total, which was ultimately sufficient to win.
Asif Khan’s Impactful Sixes: One of the UAE’s main highlights was Asif Khan’s batting. As he repeatedly cleared the boundary, his aggressive style maintained the team’s hopes.
His ability to take on Saudi Arabia’s bowlers, especially Usman Khalid, ensured that the game remained alive until the end.
The Pressure of the Final Overs: When the UAE reached 162/5 with just two overs left, the game was on a knife’s edge. However, as wickets fell, the pressure mounted and the UAE’s chances of victory diminished. Despite some late resistance, they eventually finished on 171/5.
Saudi Arabia’s crucial breakthroughs: As UAE looked to build momentum at every turn, Saudi Arabia’s bowlers were able to take key wickets, break partnerships and keep the run chase under control. Their bowlers, led by Usman Khalid, bowled key overs under pressure.
A Well-Deserved Victory for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s 11-run win was not just a narrow margin; it was a testament to the resilience and skill displayed by both teams throughout the match. Saudi Arabia’s disciplined bowling and the contribution of their key batsmen, especially in the final overs, played a key role in securing the target. Despite a valiant effort from the UAE, the required run rate was high, and they fell by 11 runs.
The match showcased the unpredictability of T20 cricket, where even the smallest difference can make a big difference. Both teams will have valuable takeaways from this encounter, especially in finishing the innings and maintaining pressure at crucial moments. For Saudi Arabia, this is a moment to celebrate victory in a game full of drama and excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating the next challenge.