Doha: M-Pallonji Team Wins Qatar National Day Cricket Cup
Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Dec 23: M-Pallonji defeated Hannan XI to win the annual cricket tournament organised by the Lagaan Cricket Club on the occasion of Qatar's National Day here recently.
M-Pallonji won the toss and elected to field. Hannan XI scored 137 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Abdul Rauf scored 40 runs in 27 balls with one four and three sixes. Parvez Bawa 20 runs in 9 balls with 1 four and two sixes, Mohammed Jabir made 18 runs in 21 balls while Hakem scored 16 runs in 8 balls with 2 sixes. Naveed took 2 wickets conceding 30 runs in 3 overs and Sailesh took 2 wickets giving away 17 runs in 3 overs.
In reply, M-Pallonji scored 138 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Suraj Barkae scored 17 runs in 12 balls with 2 sixes, Shailesh Kanchan 58 runs in 41 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes, Niraj 29 runs in 12 balls with 2 sixes and Ravi Raja 16 runs in 6 balls with 2 sixes. Shoaib, Rauf, Raja and Jabir took one wicket each.
The closing ceremony was graced by Seetaraman, CEO of Doha Bank, K M Varghese, president of ICC, Kala Gopala Krishanan from Mowasalat Karwa, Shah Nawaz, general manager, Fahad Travels, Farooq Sardar, general manager, Mannai Air Travel, Habeeb Un Nabi, general secretary, ICBF, Saleem Kaisar, co-coordinator QVCA and Murthy from QVCA.
Musharaf, organizer and vice-president of Lagaan Cricket Club thanked the Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC) for their continuous support extended to the cricket club while hosting the tournament. He also thanked all the sponsors and the spectators for their support.
Nazeer of Hannan XI was declared the best bowler of the tournament, and Neeraj Barkae of M-Pallonji the best batsman. They were awarded with trophies and gift vouchers sponsored by Mannai Air Travel.
Sailesh Kanchan from M-Pallonji was declared man of the match in the final.
Raja of Hannan-XI was awarded man of the series, and was presented with a trophy and an air ticket sponsored by Fahad Travels.
Chidanand Naik, area manager of M-Pallonji, Qatar congratulated the team on their achievement.