Al Faraa clinch title in thrilling fashion

Danube Lions suffer one-wicket defeat in Bukhatir League final

Al Faraa players with the champions trophy at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. — Supplied photo

Sharjah — Al Faraa pulled off a thrilling one-wicket victory over Danube Lions to emerge champions of the 41st Bukhatir League for Interface Cup organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.

On a pleasant night under lights at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Al Faraa chased a challenging target of 273 successfully 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 ran into trouble 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 playing to the merit of the ball to score 88 from 92 deliveries peppered with nine boundaries and three sixes.

Mufti played the perfect second fiddle scoring a steady pace as he consumed 96 balls to attain 48 including 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.

For Al Faraa, Hafeez Ur Rahman accounted for four wickets in his 10 overs conceding 61 runs while Mujahid Amin returned with a two-wicket haul.

In reply, 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 a strong fightback for Al Faraa.

The couple 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 was quick in his approach scoring 98 facing 90 deliveries while sending it to the ropes on five occasions and over it the same number of times.

Baig hit 71 from 98 balls containing 10 boundaries.

Nabeel Butt (24, 19b, 2x4, 1x6) made a good start but failed to carry on the momentum as Danube Lions suddenly sprung back to life after Zahoor Khan scalped four quick wickets.

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

Chetan Kanasara (2 not out) and Hafeez ur Rahman (6 not out) held their nerves to guide their team to an exciting victory.

The champions won a cheque of AED25,000 plus a trophy while Danube Lions picked up a AED15,000 cash prize and trophy. Naveed Sarwar was the man of the match.