Saudi Arabia defeated Kuwait in a low-scoring final to bag the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Challenge Cup here Saturday. Saudi Arabia has hauled the ACC U-19 Challenge Cup twice in a row and is now all set for the ACC U-19 Elite Cup to be held in 2013. Rain delayed the final initially and when umpires gave the green signal for the match Saudi Arabia won the toss and chose to field, rightly so seeing the dewy conditions of the field and pitch. After a stupendous bowling effort during which Emad Uddin took two wickets, Faheem Afrad three, Zubaid Ahmed two and one each for Imtiaz Khan and Akram Aslam, Saudi Arabia bowled Kuwait out for 125 runs in 35.3 overs. The Kuwaitis did not lose heart though and gave the Saudi's a tough battle as they took early wickets and in the middle, nearly took the game away from them when over a period of just six runs, Saudi Arabia lost 3 wickets, slumping to 96 for 6. But in the end, Saudi Arabia would not be denied and a splendid partnership developed between Hassan Bukhari and Akram Aslam and they grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat. Zubaid Ahmed was chosen as the Man of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance in the final – opening the Saudi Arabian stand with 37 runs and taking two wickets. Emad Uddin for his exceptional performance throughout the tournament was named Best Batsman of the Tournament while Faheem Afrad won the award for the Best Bowler of the Tournament for his amazing bowling figures in the last three matches.
