Kuala Lumpur – In a nail-biting finish at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Malaysia secured a narrow 1-run victory over Singapore in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A. Led by a blistering knock from Syed Aziz, who was named Player of the Match, Malaysia posted 182/6 and managed to hold off a determined chase by Singapore, who finished just short at 181/7.
Syed Aziz Powers Malaysia with Record-Breaking Innings
Opting to bat first, Malaysia got off to a flying start thanks to captain Syed Aziz, who smashed 53 runs off just 22 balls, including 6 towering sixes. Aziz’s aggressive approach not only set the tone for Malaysia’s innings but also saw him break two significant national records—most fifty-plus scores (18) and most sixes (107) in T20Is for Malaysia, surpassing Virandeep Singh’s previous marks.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Malaysia’s middle-order, led by Aqeel Wahid’s quickfire 48 off 22 balls, ensured they posted a competitive total of 182/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Singapore’s bowlers, particularly Akshay Puri, who returned figures of 1/19, tried to contain the damage but were unable to stop the onslaught from the Malaysian batsmen.
Singapore’s Spirited Chase Falls Just Short
Chasing 183, Singapore’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost three quick wickets within the first four overs, with Pavandeep Singh doing the early damage, picking up 3/25. However, a resilient partnership between captain Manpreet Singh, who scored 53 off 33 balls, and Anish Paraam, who top-scored with an unbeaten 78 off 46 balls, brought Singapore back into the game.
With 31 runs needed off the final two overs, Singapore looked poised to pull off a remarkable chase, but Malaysia held their nerve in the closing moments. Rizwan Haider and Virandeep Singh bowled the crucial final overs, with Rizwan picking up the key wicket of Janak Prakash (12) and limiting Singapore to 181/7, just one run shy of the target.
Key Records and Highlights
- Syed Aziz’s Milestone: Syed Aziz became Malaysia’s highest six-hitter in T20Is, overtaking Virandeep Singh with 107 sixes.
- Smallest Margin of Victory: Malaysia’s 1-run win against Singapore is now their smallest margin of victory in T20Is, bettering their previous record of an 8-run win against Hong Kong.
- Singapore’s Near Miss: Despite the heroic efforts of Manpreet Singh and Anish Paraam, Singapore’s chase fell agonizingly short, marking one of the closest finishes in the Asia Qualifier A tournament.
Brief Scores:
Malaysia: 182/6 in 20 overs (Syed Aziz 53, Aqeel Wahid 48, Akshay Puri 1/19)
Singapore: 181/7 in 20 overs (Anish Paraam 78*, Manpreet Singh 53, Pavandeep Singh 3/25)
Result: Malaysia won by 1 run
Player of the Match: Syed Aziz (Malaysia)
This thrilling contest has added another chapter to the storied rivalry between Malaysia and Singapore, with both teams showcasing their potential as they aim to progress further in the Asia Qualifier A.
