Media Release
Doha, Jun 10: Experience and holding on to their nerves when it matered got Pallonji, Doha's ace cricket team to defeat Qalco in a nail-biting finish and lift the 20th CDC Cricket Division I Championship at the Ideal Indian school grounds.
In a tense, thrilling final, chasing a target of 160 runs, Pallonji were in a good position until the 10 over, with 97 runs on the board and losing only two wickets. There after some tight bowling and good fielding from Qalco team made Pallonji struggle for runs. Required six runs from the last over, Pallonji could manage to score the winning two runs on the last ball of the innings.
Earlier Pallonji won the toss and put Qalco in to bat. Qalco started in good command and scored 95 runs on completion of 10 overs. There after, some superb bowling from Melroy who took three main wickets in one over put brakes on Qalco batting.
Nissar Ahmed 49, Sultan 41 and Zakaria 32 were the only batsmen crossing double figures and put a respectable total of 159 for 10.
Man-of-the-match Dinkar of Pallonji took 3 wickets, Melray took three and Jerry took two wickets each.
At a colourful prizing distribution ceremony, Joseph Sholy, financial advisor and Sanjiv Jain, business development manager from CDC along with other Qatar veterans cricket officials present.
Joseph Sholy handed over the winners and runners-up trophies.
Special mementos were presented to: Best Batsmen of the tournament - shailesh of Pallonji, Best Bowler - Ifthikar of Readymix, Best All-rounder - Istiaq of Kemco Select.
A number of gifts were distributed in the free Rffle draw. The huge crowd were entertained with the two drumming parties supporting the finalists. In spite of the hot and humid weather a good turnout of cricket supporters made the event a huge success.
Scores:
Qalco 159 for 10 in 20 overs.
( Nissar Ahmed 49 in 25 balls with five 6's and two 4's, Sultan 41 in 29 balls with three 6's and two 4's, Zakharia 32 in 19 balls with one 6's & three 4's. Melroy 3 for 19, Dinkar 3 for 16, Jerry 2 for 18 )
Lost to Pallonji 160 for 9 in 20 overs. ( Sushil 34 in 21 balls with three 6's and two 4's. Manoj 22 with two 6's. Imran Khan 2 for 11, Mujammal 2 for 16 ).