Saudi Arabia
Code: KSA
Saudi Arabia's cricket team might not be the first to spring to mind in the cricketing world, yet it has carved out a story worth telling. Established in the late 1990s, the team's birth coincided with the sport's increasing popularity among the expatriate community in the Gulf, particularly those from cricket-loving nations like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Although they haven't splashed onto the global scene with numerous trophies, Saudi Arabia has made some headway in regional competitions. Their participation in the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) events, such as the ACC Trophy, marked their early steps into international cricket. Achievements for the Saudis are often found in advancing through qualifiers and delivering occasional upsets against more established ICC associate nations. Progress in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers is considered a milestone, reflecting their potential in the shorter format.
The team’s backbone often comprises players with roots in South Asia, which has influenced their blend of grit and flair in playing style. Players like Shoaib Ali and Abdul Waheed have been pivotal. Ali, with his right-arm medium pace, has delivered crucial spells that have brought stability to their bowling attack. Meanwhile, Waheed’s ability to anchor the batting with consistency has often saved the day for his team in sticky situations.
Certain matchups, such as those against Kuwait or Bahrain, have stirred modest rivalries. Given the geographical proximity and shared history of transient workers between these nations, encounters hold that extra edge. A standout match against Qatar in the 2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asia B Qualifier saw Saudi Arabia chasing a daunting total, only for them to fall just short despite a spirited batting display.
Saudi Arabia's cricket embodies a scrappy, fighting mentality, often relying on a core of persistent bowlers and adaptable batsmen. This adaptability is one of their strengths, especially in regional tournaments where conditions can vary significantly.
Playing mostly in venues around Riyadh and Jeddah, they haven't yet been anchored by a historic home stadium. Fan culture is growing, mostly comprising expatriates who bring vibrant support emulating the styles of their homelands. This cultural confluence makes attending a Saudi match uniquely festive, a melange of cricketing cultures.
Traditionally, the team lacks deep-rooted customs specific to their identity. Instead, the cultural significance lies in cricket's ability to bridge diverse communities, serving as a reminder of the global camaraderie cricket can foster, even in places where it remains in the shadows of more popular sports. As they continue to develop, Saudi Arabia's story in the cricketing tapestry remains one of potential and small victories, embraced by a dedicated fanbase.
Saudi Arabia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Saudi Arabia
Thailand
Saudi Arabia
Malaysia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Saudi Arabia
Thailand
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 31
Position: Batsman
Batting Style:
Bowling Style:
Age: 25
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style:
Bowling Style:
Age: 30
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 24
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 26
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 30
Position: Batsman
Batting Style:
Bowling Style:
Age: 25
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 33
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 41
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 31
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 19
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 28
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 26
