China shot out for a paltry 28 runs, the second lowest score in cricketing history

In the World Cricket League qualifier tie against Saudi Arabia, the China Cricket team was bowled out for a humiliating 28 runs on Saturday, crashing to a 390-run loss against the Arabs. The total was seven runs lesser than the record set by Zimbabwe when they were bowled out for 35 in a One Day Internationa against Sri Lanks in 2004.

The lowest score ever made in the game till date is 18 runs by the West Indian U-19 team against Barbados in Guyana in the year 2007.

Saudi Arabia stacked 418 runs in their 50 overs before outclassing the opposition batsmen to a mere total of 28 all-out in just 12.4 overs with ‘Extras’ contributing 13 runs, more runs than any of the batsmen in the Chinese team could notch up.

Saudi Arabia entered the tournaments as favourites with their incredible talent in the team. The tournament also features Thailand, Bhutan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Saudi team played exceptionally well in the first innings to set up a run-chase of 419 runs for the Chinese side.

Mohammed Afzal, top scored for the Arabian side with 120 runs off just 100 balls. China’s opening wicket partnership between Lu Cangcang and Zhuang Zelin lasted for 45 balls scoring nine runs before the rest of the side crumbled like bread.

Zhang Phang, came into bat at No.6 and remained not out throughout the innings scoring six runs was only the third player to score open his account. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Shahbaz Rasheed picked up a hat-trick with the wickets of the last three batsmen.

There were only a few positives that China could take from the game, with their bowler Fen Yu returning with figures of 5/89 runs from his full quota of 10 overs. The Asia Region Division One match took place in Thailand, with China looking forward to their next game against Kuwait, where they will look to bounce back from this miserable drubbing at the hands of the Arabs.

Scorecard of the Saudi Arabia innings:

Scorecard of the China innings: