The Cricket World Cup Challenge League play-off continued today in Malaysia with Italy, Bahrain and Tanzania recording wins over Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Vanuatu respectively.

Italy were put into bat by Saudi Arabia in the only Group A match of the day at the YSD-UKM Oval in Bangi, with their total of 284-7 being built around Wayne Masden's 103 from 92 balls. He was ably assisted by Grant Stewart (57) and Rakibul Hasan (40). Eight bowlers were used by the Saudis, with Usman Najeeb the only one to take two wickets.

Saudi Arabia lost both openers cheaply and found themselves on 90-5 around the halfway point of their innings. A 68 run partnership between Hisham Shaikh and Waji Ul Hassan took the score to 158 when Ul Hassan was out for 43. With Shaikh unbeaten on 60, rain brought an end to the game with the Saudis 52 runs behind the DLS par score.

In Group B action at the Bayuemas Oval, Bahrain captain Sohail Ahmed chose to bat against hosts Malaysia first after winning the toss. A 118 run partnership for the fifth wicket between Haider Butt and Ahmer Bin Nisar provided the backbone to their total of 207-9. Butt was dismissed for 53 whilst Bin Nisar finished the innings unbeaten on 87.

Bahrain were then able to defend that low total against the home side. Sharvin Muniandy scored 46 and Ahmad Faiz 42, whilst Rizwan Butt took 4-37 to bowl Malaysia out for 189, securing an 18 run win for the visitors, who now top Group B.

Tanzania played their first game of the tournament at the Selangor Turf Club as they took on Vanuatu. Choosing to bat first after Abhik Patwa won the toss, they were bowled out for 203. Akhil Anil top scored with 47 with contributions also coming from Omary Kitunda (42) and Sanjay Kumar Thakor (36), whilst Patrick Matautaava took 3-23.

That total proved to be enough as Kassim Nassoro took 4-28 and Laksh Barkania 3-38 to bowl Vanuatu out for just 126, losing by 77 runs and facing a steep uphill battle if they are to retain their Challenge League status.

After a rest day on Saturday, Sunday will see two Group A matches as Bermuda play Saudi Arabia and Italy take on Kuwait. In Group B, hosts Malaysia face off against Tanzania.