CRICKET – Bahrain fell to a dramatic four-wicket loss against Malaysia in a nail-biting, low-scoring affair at Bayuemas Oval in the Mini Sea Games Men’s T20I 2025, being held in Selangor, Malaysia.
The contest was ultimately defined by a magnificent all-round performance from Player of the Match Syed Aziz Syed Mubarak.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers, Malaysia’s decision was immediately vindicated.
The new-ball attack struck early, with Pavandeep Singh removing opener Asif Ali for a duck in the very first over.
Bahrain found themselves in deep trouble at four for two, but a fighting 48 from 48 balls by Fiaz Ahmed steadied the innings.
Alongside Imran Javed Anwar (19) and captain Ahmer Bin Nasir (28), Ahmed guided Bahrain towards a respectable total.
But just as the visitors looked to accelerate in the death overs, the Malaysian bowlers staged a spectacular collapse.
The hero with the ball was skipper Mubarak himself, whose cunning medium-pace yielded incredible figures of four for 16 from his four overs.
He was brilliantly supported by the miserly Virandeep Singh, who choked the run-flow and picked up three crucial wickets for just 11 runs.
Bahrain, from a promising position, lost their last five wickets for a mere 23 runs, stumbling to a below-par total of 107 for nine.
The Malaysian run-chase began in the worst possible fashion, mirroring Bahrain’s start.
The dangerous Ali Dawood produced a fiery spell, sending back Muhammad Haziq Aiman for a golden duck and Ahmad Faiz cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 10 for two.
With the pressure mounting, Virandeep Singh (23 off 20) counter-attacked to get the scoreboard moving.
However, when he and the promoted Mubarak (19) fell in quick succession, Malaysia found themselves in a precarious position at 72 for five.
The game hung in the balance, with Bahrain’s bowlers – particularly Dawood (3/9) and Abdul Majid Abbasi – applying immense pressure.
The responsibility then fell on the experienced shoulders of Amir Khan Malik (17 not out) and the calm demeanour of Sharvin Muniyandy (14 not out).
The pair eschewed risk, picking up singles and doubles in a nerve-wracking partnership.
With the required run-rate creeping up, they held their nerve, guiding Malaysia over the line with just one ball to spare, sparking celebrations of relief and joy among the home supporters.
The victory, secured with four wickets in hand, was far from convincing but highlighted the team’s fighting spirit.
While the batting lineup will seek greater consistency, the bowling unit, led by the inspirational Mubarak, proved to be the difference in a match that showcased the thrilling, unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
&uuid=(email))