Al Hamra bounced back in Group A as they scripted a 13-run triumph over CNAQ in the Ramadan Cricket Tournament, despite a bold single-handed batting effort from Bilal.
The Qatar Cricket Association, under the presidency of Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, is hosting the tournament for all the divisions to promote the game and keep players in competitive shape.
Al Hamra, who lost the opening match to Qatar Rail, put up a fighting 150 for seven in 18 overs in the combined B and C divisions category. There were several small but useful innings with Ajmal being the highest contributor. He hit five fours in his 18-ball 28. Imtiaz (23), Inushka (21) and Lasantha (20) were the other run-makers.
Qamar bowled a thrilling over and grabbed two wickets for just three runs.
During the chase, CNAQ fell short of the target despite Bilal anchoring them with a fine unbeaten 65. His 28-ball cameo contained four sixes and half-a-dozen boundaries. He also forged a 51-run stand for the eighth wicket with Omar (12). But other players failed to support him adequately.
Shafeeq picked three for 26, while Lasantha dismissed two players for 16 runs. This was the second defeat in a row for CNAQ.
In another match, Doha Bank derailed Qatar Rail for 117 runs and secured the target at the expense of three wickets, with just an over to go.
Imran led the collapse of Qatar Rail, removing three players for 24 runs. Adnan and Sajith shared four wickets. Tariq (38 with two sixes and three fours) and Deepak (18) scored the bulk of runs.
Doha Bank were placed on the victory path by Man of the Match Nilantha, who smashed 43 in 34 balls with a six and three fours. Later, Kiran (27 not out with three fours) and Clive (24 not out with a six and a four) added 43 runs for the fourth wicket without getting split up. Shebi got one for 16.

BRIEF SCORES
*Al Hamra 150 for seven in 18 overs (Ajmal 28, Imtiaz 23, Dinesh 22; Qamar 2 for 3) beat CNAQ 137 for eight in 18 overs (Bilal 65 not out; Shafeeq 3 for 26, Lasantha 2 for 16) by 13 runs. Man of the Match: Bilal (CNAQ)
*Qatar Rail 117 in 17 overs (Tariq 38; Imran 3 for 24, Adnan 2 for 24, Sajith 2 for 23) lost to Doha Bank 118 for three in 16 overs (Nilantha 43, Kiran 27 not out, Clive 24 not out; Shebi 1 for 16) by seven wickets. Man of the Match: Nilantha (Doha Bank)






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