CRICKET – BAHRAIN were overpowered by Qatar last night for the second straight match in their Men’s T20I Bilateral Series, currently being played at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.
The visitors won the toss and elected to field first based on their opening outing, but as the innings began the pitch appeared to be a batting-friendly surface. The decision was aimed at restricting Qatar to a chaseable total, but the plan backfired as Qatar posted a mammoth 215/5.
Qatar’s batting display was anchored by a breathtaking 82 off just 42 balls from Imal Malindu, who struck seven fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 195.24. His aggressive approach laid the foundation for a massive first-innings score.
Muhammad Asim played a sensational knock of 67 off 39 balls, finding boundaries with ease and rotating strike smartly. His unbeaten 67 included six fours and three sixes, and he stitched a vital 82-run stand with Malindu for the third wicket.
Earlier, Zubair Ali (34 off 22) provided a brisk start, while Shariq Munir delivered the late fireworks with an unbeaten 18 off just six balls. Bahrain’s bowlers struggled for control – Ali Dawood was the pick with 2/41, while Imran Javed (1/47) and Abdul Majid (1/37) proved expensive.
Chasing a stiff target of 216, Bahrain lost opener Ali Asif for just one in the very first over, caught behind off Shariq Munir. Yasser Nazeer looked in ominous touch, smashing 28 off 15 with six boundaries, but his dismissal triggered a mini-collapse.
Sohail Ahmed was the lone warrior, compiling a composed 56 off 41 balls with three fours and three sixes. He found able support from Ahmer Nasir (36 off 31) as the pair added 87 runs for the fifth wicket, reviving Bahrain’s hopes briefly. But once Ahmed was run out in the 18th over, the chase lost its steam.
Mujeeb Ur Rehman was the standout bowler for Qatar, finishing with exceptional figures of 4-0-23-3, consistently bowling in testing areas and breaking the back of Bahrain’s middle order.
Imran Javed hit a late 13 off seven, but Bahrain were restricted to 164/7, falling short by 51 runs.
The third-wicket partnership of 82 runs between Malindu and Asim shifted momentum decisively in Qatar’s favour. Bahrain never recovered from the onslaught and were always behind the asking rate.
Bahrain will need to regroup after a tough loss despite a spirited effort with the ball and in patches with the bat. Their next match will be played tomorrow.
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