Media Release

Doha, Mar 16: In the 10TH IBQ Masters Cricket Tournament 2015, QALCO emerged as champions in division I defeating Asian cricket club by 4 wickets. This is QALCO’s 4th consecutive victory in the finals. Last year also they had lifted the IBQ Trophy.

At the finals prize distribution ceremony Andrew Ball, head of retail banking was the chief guest and Mariam Abou Haider, corporate communications manager of IBQ was the guest of honor.

Winning the toss QALCO put in Asian cricket club to bat which proved to be the right strategy. ACC continuously lost wickets and at the end of 10 overs were 16 runs for the loss of 5 wickets and were finally all out for 85 runs in 18.2 overs. The only batsman to resist was Feroze who scored 28 runs with 2 sixes and a boundary. None of the other batsmen could reach double figures.

Jonty bowled well to claim 3 wickets, Hilmy 2 wickets while Shahid, Aftab, Zahir, Tharaka, Intikab and Rifas took a wicket each. Ifzal from QALCO behind the stumps was outstanding claiming 4 catches and 1 stumping. This rightly earned him the man of the match award.

In reply QALCO chasing a target of 86 runs made it difficult for themselves and were 40 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the first 10 overs. Captain Shahid however stabilized the innings when wickets started falling. QALCO finally scored 88 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 14.4 over. Ifzal scored 20 runs with 3 sixes.

Abrar, Rizwan, Majeed , Sagir, Feroz, Appu and Azhar took a wicket each.

Man of the finals : Ifzal / QALCO

The following were declared the best of the tournament:

Best batsman : Rauf of Hanan XII
Best bowler : Melroy of M Pallonji
Best all rounder : Firoz of ACC
Best wicket keeper : Neeraj of Pallonji

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by supporters and well wishers.
A Sri Lankan band added colour and glamour to the festivities. They were especially awarded gifts by the organizers. Over 300 prizes were given away to various players in the tournament.