Qatar cricket team and officials pose for a photograph after winning their third Group match against Guernsey at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa yesterday.
Qatar reached the semi-finals of the ICC World Cricket League Division IV Tournament after skipper Inam Ul Haq led a formidable reply against Guernsey to secure a three-wicket win at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa yesterday.
Chasing a target of 232 to win, Qatari team got off to a brilliant start by skipper Ul Haq and Qalandar Khan.
The Qatari openers were involved in a 112-run partnership before Khan departed for 56 in the 22nd over. His 64-ball knock included nine hits to the boundary. Muhammad Tanveer joined Ul Haq after the departure of Khan and continued to swell the total. The skipper faced 83 deliveries for his 63-run knock and hit nine boundaries before he was dismissed by David Hooper. Tanveer scored 47 and hit six boundaries.
Qatar lost seven wickets during their run chase while Mohammed Rizlan and Awais Malik were not out at the crease with 22 and 10 runs respectively. Malik finished the game in style with a boundary, securing their place in today’s semi-finals.
Earlier, Qatari skipper won the toss and elected to field first.
Guernsey, the island nation just off the coast of Normandy, France, amassed a total of 231 for the loss of nine wickets while Oliver Newey top-scored with well-compiled 80 runs before he was caught and bowled by Tamoor Sajjad.
Josh Butler (36), Ben Farbrache (34) and Tom nightingale (31) also made valuable contributions to swell their total which proved to be not enough at the end against the strong Qatari side.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Mohammed Nadeem bagged three for 49 to lead the Qatari bowling attack while leggie Tamoor Sajjad took two for 33. Muhammad Tanveer and Iqbal Hussain bagged a wicket apiece.
Qatar will now meet Jersey who remain unbeaten in Group B. The other semi-final will see Group A leaders Italy, playing against Group B’s second placed team Vanuatu.
The final of the tournament, as well as the play-offs will take place on Saturday.
Brief scores:
Guernsey: 231 for 9 (Oliver Newey 80, Josh Butler 36, Ben Farbrache 34, Tom nightingale 31; Mohammed Nadeem 3 for 49, Tamoor Sajjad 2 for 33)
Qatar: 234 for 7 (Inam Ul Haq 63, Qalandar Khan 56, Muhammad Tanveer 47)
