Al Faraa beat Danube to clinch Bukhatir League title

Al Faraa CC pulled off a thrilling one-wicket victory over Danube Lions to emerge champions of the 41st Bukhatir League for Interface Cup 2015.

The tournament was organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.

Al Faraa CC chased a challenging target of 273 successfully under lights at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday but not before they went through some anxious moments.

Naveed Sarwar was unlucky to miss out on a well deserved century by just two runs but his innings came at the right time to guide Al Faraa to the title.

Danube Lions’ decision to bat first backfired after they lost three wickets for just 26 runs.

Asif Iqbal and Adnan Mufti revived Danube Lion’s innings as the duo put on a huge 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Iqbal mixed caution with aggression to score 88 from 92 deliveries peppered with nine boundaries and three sixes.

Mufti scored at a steady pace making 48 with four hits to the fence.

Khurram Khan (33, 36b, 3x4, 1x6) and Samiullah Younus (45, 41b, 2x4, 2x6) further consolidated the innings scoring at quicker pace to ensure Danube Lions posted a challenging 272 for eight in 50 overs.

Hafeez Ur Rahman claimed four for 61.

Chasing, Al Faraa opener Mohammad Altaf stayed for an over but struggled to adjust succumbing for just one.

Ijaz Bashir (20, 32b, 3x4) was joined by Sarwar who together ignited the chase sharing 35 runs for the second wicket.

It was the association Sarwar stitched together with Faisal Baig that raised the hopes of victory for Al Faraa.

The duo spent nearly 28 overs in the middle cautiously negating the Danube Lions bowlers to tally up an important 140 runs for the third wicket.

Sarwar scored 98 stroking five boundaries and five sixes.

Baig hit 71 from 98 balls with the help of 10 boundaries.

With still 17 runs needed with four wickets in hand, Al Faara lost another two adding 12 runs.

Chetan Kanasara and Hafeez ur Rahman held their nerves to guide their team to an exciting victory.

The champions won a cheque of Dh25,000 plus a trophy while Danube Lions picked up a Dh15,000 cash prize and trophy. Naveed Sarwar was the man of the match.

Brief scores:

Danube Lions 272 for 8 in 50 overs (Asif Iqbal 88, Adnan Mufti 48, Khurram Khan 33, Samiullah Younus 45, Amir Hayat 23; Hafeez ur Rahman 4 for 61, Mujahid Amin 2 for 50) Al Faraa CC 277 for 9 in 48.5 overs (Ijaz Bashir 20, Naveed Sarwar 98, Faisal Baig 71, Nabeel Butt 24, Baber Bashir 13; Zahoor Khan 4 for 71, Ali Afzal 2 for 47). Man of the match: Naveed Sarwar of Al Faraa CC. Umpires: Ifthikar Ali and Arshad Ansari. Scorers: Zameel Hameed and M Asif.

Special Awards:

Champions: Al Faraa CC (Dh25,000 and Trophy)

Runners-up: Danube Lions (Dh15,000 and Trophy)

Man of the match: Naveed Sarwar of Al Faraa (Dh1000 and Trophy)

Best Batsman: Amjad Ali of UBL (Dh1000 and Trophy)

Best Bowler: Ali Afzal of Danube Lions (Dh1000 and Trophy)

Player of the Tournament: Asif Iqbal of Danube Lions (Dh2000 and Trophy)

Special Award: Hafeez ur Rahman of Al Faraa (Dh300 and Trophy)
 

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