Singapore vs Bahrain 1st T20I – Bahrain Wins by 31 Runs | Match Report & Highlights

Bahrain secured a convincing 31-run victory over Singapore in the 1st T20I of the Bahrain tour of Singapore 2025. Fiaz Ahmed’s unbeaten 87 off 55 balls powered Bahrain to 167/4 in 20 overs. Singapore struggled in their chase, with Aritra Dutta (33) and Surendran Chandramohan (30) offering resistance, but disciplined bowling from Imran Anwar (3/21) and Ali Dawood (2/25) restricted them to 136/8. Bahrain’s all-round effort ensured a dominant start to the series.

Scorecard:

Bahrain: 167/4 (20 overs) – Fiaz Ahmed 87* (55), Sohail Ahmed 53 (39); Pranav Sudarshan 2/28
Singapore: 136/8 (20 overs) – Aritra Dutta 33 (27), Surendran Chandramohan 30 (24); Imran Anwar 3/21, Ali Dawood 2/25
Result: Bahrain won by 31 runs.

Bahrain Secures Convincing 31-Run Victory Over Singapore in 1st T20I

The Bahrain tour of Singapore 2025 kicked off with an exhilarating 1st T20I at the Singapore National Cricket Ground, where Bahrain emerged victorious by 31 runs. With a strong all-round display, Bahrain outplayed the hosts, setting a challenging target and then restricting Singapore’s batting lineup effectively.

Fiaz Ahmed Leads Bahrain’s Charge With a Stellar Knock

Bahrain’s batting performance was spearheaded by Fiaz Ahmed, who played a match-winning innings of 87* off just 55 balls. His aggressive knock, laced with powerful strokes, helped Bahrain post a formidable total of 167/4 in 20 overs. His ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking proved vital in setting a competitive target.

Prashant Kurup and Sohail Ahmed provided a cautious start, but it was Fiaz’s acceleration in the middle overs that gave Bahrain the momentum. Sohail Ahmed contributed a crucial 53 off 39 balls, while Junaid Aziz’s quickfire 8* off 4 balls ensured Bahrain finished on a high note.

Singapore’s Bowling Effort Falls Short

Singapore’s bowlers had moments of brilliance but struggled to contain Bahrain’s batters consistently. Pranav Sudarshan stood out, picking up 2/28 in his four-over spell, while A Gopinath Achar was economical with figures of 1/28. However, the lack of wickets in the middle overs allowed Bahrain to dictate the game and put up an imposing total.

Singapore’s Chase Falters Under Pressure

Chasing 168 for victory, Singapore’s innings got off to a rocky start, losing Rohan Rangarajan for a golden duck. Despite a valiant effort from Aritra Dutta, who scored 33 off 27 balls, and Surendran Chandramohan’s steady 30 off 24, the Singaporean batting order failed to build substantial partnerships.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as Bahrain’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed Singapore to gain momentum. Captain Manpreet Singh’s dismissal for just 7 runs further dented Singapore’s hopes. Even though Aman Desai tried to hold the innings together with an unbeaten 16, the required run rate kept climbing, eventually proving too much for the hosts.

Bahrain’s Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure

Bahrain’s bowlers put on a disciplined performance to defend their total. Imran Anwar was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/21 in his four overs, while Ali Dawood also chipped in with two wickets for 25 runs. Their timely breakthroughs ensured that Singapore never truly threatened Bahrain’s total.

With Singapore finishing at 136/8 in 20 overs, Bahrain sealed a comfortable 31-run victory, setting the tone for the series.

Key Takeaways From the Match

• Fiaz Ahmed’s Brilliance: His unbeaten 87* was the defining performance of the match, ensuring Bahrain had a commanding total to defend.

• Bahrain’s Clinical Bowling: Imran Anwar and Ali Dawood’s disciplined spells choked Singapore’s middle order, never allowing them to settle.

• Singapore’s Batting Woes: Lack of partnerships and frequent wickets prevented Singapore from mounting a serious challenge.

• Momentum for Bahrain: The visitors will take confidence from this victory as they prepare for the next T20I in the series.

Looking Ahead: Can Singapore Bounce Back

With Bahrain taking a 1-0 lead in the series, Singapore will need to regroup quickly and address their batting inconsistencies. Their bowlers showed glimpses of promise, but the team will need a collective effort to level the series.

The next match promises to be another thrilling encounter, with Singapore eager to put up a stronger fight and Bahrain looking to seal the series. Cricket fans can expect another action-packed T20I as the series unfolds.