Members and officials of Qatar cricket team pose for a group photo along with the top QRHCF officials at the Hamad International Airport on Tuesday.
Qatar team returned home to a rousing welcome after winning the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Cricket League Asia Division 1 tournament in Thailand earlier this week.
The national cricket team which arrived at the Hamad International Airport on Tuesday night was greeted by the top officials of Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation’s (QRHCF) along with families and friends of members of the team.
Qatar defeated Saudi Arabia by five wickets in their last match to top the league competition and ensure their promotion in ICC Division 5.
“This title-triumph is a moment of pride for us as this is the first major title by Qatar. It was a historical performance from the Men in Maroon,” QRHCF senior official Manzoor Ahmed who traveled with the team in Thailand told The Peninsula upon return from Thailand. The Inam Ul Haq led side gave a formidable performance throughout the seven-nation tournament, winning five of their six games.
Apart from their win over Saudi Arabia, they defeated Kuwait by 214 runs in their opening game of the tournament and also registered victories against Bhutan (214 runs) and Thailand (60 runs) in their next two matches. They trounced China by 265 runs in a crucial game with their only loss coming against Bahrain.
“Our team proved that it has the potential to do well in major tournaments and perform against reputed sides in the world of cricket. They showed consistent performance throughout the event which is the biggest plus of our campaign in Chiang Mai (Thailand),” Manzoor said before praising QRHCF President Youssef Jaham Al Kuwari for his support.
“The president Youssef Jaham has been supporting cricket team since he took over (last December). A lot of credit goes to him as well for his all out support,” he said.
Qatar after being promoted to Division 5 will now head to South Africa in September where they will be up against teams like Italy, Guernsey, Jersey, Vanuatu, Cayman Islands and Ghana while a team from Europe is yet to be determined.
“No doubt the challenge will become tougher as we will progress at international stage. But, we will form a comprehensive plan to prepare the national team. The confidence of the players has been boosted with this victory and I am confident Qatar will continue to impress in future tournaments,” Manzoor concluded.
