China robbed of victory in run chase of 26 as rain interrupts at 24/2, Saudi Arabia escape defeat in bizarre encounter

China vs Saudi Arabia Match: In a low-scoring bizarre T20I match, China were robbed off a win as they reached the doorstep of victory against Saudi Arabia on June 9. In the ACC Women's T20I Premier Cup 2026 clash, China bowlers restricted Saudi Arabia to 39/7. The rain interruption led to the revised target of 26 runs in 11 overs. China were 24/2 from 2.4 overs when rain got heavy and they had to leave the field. Just two runs away from victory, the game was abandoned due to rain and Saudi Arabia got a lucky escape.

Flurry of maiden overs and just one boundary

Apart from the wicketkeeper, as many as 10 bowlers were used by China. The highest strike rate for a Saudi Arabia batter was 28.95. Sara scored 11 runs from 38 deliveries before she was run out on the penultimate delivery. She scored the only boundary of the innings. The lowest strike rate was that of Ashmal Hashmi, scoring just one run from 19 deliveries. There were six maiden overs in Saudi Arabia's innings. China's opening opener Ma Ruike bowled two maiden overs and picked up a wicket. Chen Xinyu was most successful, taking three wickets for three runs in two overs.

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Run chase that was almost perfect 

In the run chase, Jiaping Li and Wang Huiying hit a four each off Najwa Akram. On the last ball of the over, Huiying lost her wicket. In the third over, Chen got stumped off Laiba's bowling. Before Laiba could complete her over, rain played spoilsport. China were 24/2 in 2.4 overs before rain interrupted. Jiaping was unbeaten on 14 off nine balls. The play couldn't resume and China missed out on an easy win.

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Rain saves Saudi Arabia

It could've been China's second win in Group B clash. Also, Saudi Arabia avoided their fourth consecutive defeat in a row.

China were already out of the semifinal race as they had lost to UAE and Oman earlier. Their only win in the tournament came against Philippines. when they chased down the target of 104 in 13.3 overs. Their previous game against UAE was affected by rain too. In the five overs per side game, they lost by 18 runs as UAE set a target of 48.