Qatar Stars win thrilling QND cricket match

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Stars Eleven edged International Stars Eleven in a frantic finish to win the limited over match by a wicket on the Qatar National Day. Just like the previous year, the match was hosted by the Qatar Cricket Association at the Asian Town Stadium to celebrate the Qatar National Day. A large gathering thoroughly enjoyed the proceedings as Qatar Stars Eleven pulled off the victory off the final ball of the 15-over-a-side match.
Batting first, International Stars Eleven, led by Abdul Razzaq, made a modest 97 for eight, struggling against some tight bowling by the home team, especially Tamoor Sajjad, who grabbed three wickets for just 10 runs in three overs.nbsp;
Razzaq hit an 18-ball 19 with a six and a four, while Salman Butt smashed three boundaries and a six to collect 31 off 21 balls. Butt and Ajantha Mendis gathered 44 runs for the seventh wicket to take the score close three figures. Besides Sajjad, Awais Malik got two for 11, while Gayan Budhika, Mohamed Nadeem and skipper Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry shared three wickets. In the cold and windy conditions, Qatar Stars Eleven also faced many anxious moments. Towards the end, they required 16 runs to win with only two overs and two wickets left. Kareem Sadiq picked up a wicket for just one run in the first three balls to leave the rivals needing 10 off the final three deliveries.
Newman Nadeem blasted a six off the very first ball he faced and then picked a double before placing the ball for the winning single to a massive celebration by the team and fans.
Zaheeruddeen chipped in with 18 in 15 balls with two four and a six. Mohamed Rizlan added 19 in 24 balls with a four, while captain Chaudhry fired a six and a boundary to get 12, the same as Sajjad. All-rounder Sajjad was later named the man of the match for his superb display.
QCA President Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari was the chief guest and presented the medals and trophy in presence of Event Director Issa al-Yacoub and other QCA officials. The QCA head was delighted with the event which added an international flavour to the Qatar National Day celebration.
'The match was quite exciting and I am confident that the participating players and fans must have enjoyed alike. The QCA is proud to host this match on the great occasion of our National Day. We want to thank the players, especially the international stars, who took part in the match and made it truly a memorable event for all of us.

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