Former Pakistan Test player Adnan Akmal’s swashbuckling 80 off 45 balls went in vain as Qatar Stars defeated Asia Stars by 14 runs in the first match of the National Day Celebration Cup series at the Asian Town Stadium on Friday night.
Adnan, whose brothers Kamran and Umar have also represented Pakistan at the highest level, slammed six sixes and two fours as Asia Stars, chasing 173 for victory, were restricted to 158 for 8 in their 20 overs on an action-packed evening.
Asia Stars opened with Farhan and former Sri Lankan star Tillekeratne Dilshan but the duo couldn’t give their team a decent start.
Farhan was dismissed for just five while Dilshan hit two sixes for a 13-ball 17 before falling leg before wicket to Qatar player Taimoor.
Former Test player Yasir Hameed then somewhat steadied the Asian Stars ship with 20 runs, but his and Taufiq Umar’s exit in quick succession saw them totter once again.
But Adnan took matters into his own hands with a calculated assault that took the team close to the target before he was claimed by Iqbal Choudhry.
None of the other batsmen could get into double figures as Asia Stars fell short by 14 runs.
For Qatar Stars Taimoor, Choudhry and Nadeem claimed two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Asim Ali struck a fine 73 of just 37 balls to help Qatar Stars post 172 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Asim, coming in at number four, hammered five fours and six sixes in his knock before being run out after openers Kamran Akmal and Ushantha had failed to provide them a platform.
Inam-ul-Haq with 26 and Rizlan and Murad with 16 and 15, respectively, were the others who got into double figures.
Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who retired from the game recently, was the pick of the Asia Stars bowlers with three wickets for 37 runs.
Saqlain Mushtaq, another Pakistan great, who retired long back, also played the match, giving away 22 runs in three overs.
The second match of the series will be played today at the Asian Town Stadium.