Media Release
Doha, May 30: In the Division II of the QALCO day / night Cricket Tournament 2017, McDonalds defeated Ceylon Warriors by nine runs in a nail biting finish.
The tournament comprised of the top eight teams of Division II competing on a knockout basis and played at Lusail Cricket Complex. The finals were played at MIC Sports Complex - Umm Mesaieed on Thursday May 25 under excellent weather conditions.
Fawad Rana, managing director of Qatar Lubricants Co (QALCO) could not attend the thrilling finals due to his business commitments. Shahid Iqbal Chaudhry, director operations of QALCO was the chief guest.
McDonalds won the toss and elected to bat first. McDonalds did not make a good start. Opener batsman Iftikhar was bowled out for a duck in the first delivery by Prakash.
McDonalds scored 31 runs in the first six overs for the loss of five wickets. Akalanka played some lively shots which contributed 31 runs off 18 deliveries with three sixes and a boundary. Yasser scored 18 runs with two sixes and Riyas added 12 runs with two sixes. McDonalds scored 111 runs in the allotted 15 overs.
Prakash and Nuwan took two wickets each of Ceylon Warriors while Sudesh, Suman, Dileep and Kasun took a wicket each.
In reply, Ceylon Warriors confidently chased the target of 112 scoring 27 for the loss of two wickets in the first six overs. However, good bowling from McDonalds resulted in Ceylon Warriors' loss of six wickets in the next nine overs. Manju was the top scorer with a double figure and contributed 33 runs off 22 deliveries with six sixes. Ceylon Warriors managed a total of 102 for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 15 overs.
McDonalds won the match by nine runs and making this their third consecutive victory in a row.
Akalanka of McDonalds was declared man of the finals.
Best players of the tournament were:
Best batsman : Pradas of Al Fardan
Best bowler : Akalanka of McDonalds
Best all rounder : Chandana of Ceylon Warriors
Best wicketkeeper : Remo of Ceylon Warriors
Extraordinary performances:
In the match between McDonalds and G C Stars, Akalanka took five wickets of G C Stars.
At the well attended prize distribution ceremony, more than 150 prizes were given away by Shahid Iqbal Chaudhry.
The organizers organised complimentary refreshments and a free Lucky Draw for all the spectators.