UAE bounce back from Nepal loss to thrash Saudi Arabia at ACC U19 Premier League

Led by an Ethan Homes half-century and four wickets from Yodhin Punja, the UAE made light work of Saudi Arabia in their ACC Under-19 Premier League clash in Kuala Lumpur.

Yodhin Punja produced 18 runs with the bat before claiming four wickets to help the UAE to a comfortable win. Sarah Dea / The National

Led by an Ethan Holmes half-century and four wickets from Yodhin Punja, the UAE made light work of Saudi Arabia in their ACC Under-19 Premier League clash in Kuala Lumpur.

Batting first, the UAE posted a total of 258 from their 50 overs, with Holmes top-scoring with 67. Kulith Rabel (45) and Riyan Mohammed (46) also produced with the bat to help the UAE to a competitive total.

Omar Imtiaz was the pick of the Saudi Arabia bowlers, with three wickets for 47 runs from his 10 overs, while Zain returned the same figures, although was not as economical having bowled three less overs.

In reply, Saudi Arabia were under immediate pressure when they were reduced to 10-4 inside six overs. Muhammad Zeyad’s 71-run knock saved Saudi Arabia’s blushes to an extent, but he could not prevent defeat as the UAE claimed victory by a 165-run margin.

Punja was the chief tormentor of the Saudi batsmen, his four wickets coming for the loss of just 36 runs.

After the 149-run defeat to Nepal on Friday, the victory win against Saudi Arabia will provide a timely boost to the UAE ahead of their match with Afghanistan on Monday.

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