The Organising Committee of Associated Activities for Qatar National Day (QND) Celebrations 2013, in association with Lagaan Cricket Club, conducted a four-nation cricket tournament on National Day at Qatar National Cricket Stadium, West End Park.
The matches were played between expatriate teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Pakistan won the T20 tournament by beating Bangladesh in the final.
The day’s festivities began with the national anthem. As the gates opened, there were nearly 3,000 spectators waiting to get into the stadium at 8am.
The umpires took to the field even as Indian cricketer Mohamed Kaif entered the ground with Lagaan Cricket Club president Azim Abbas to a thunderous applause by the audience. The teams had lined up to greet and meet Kaif, who was flown in from India as the guest of honour.
Kaif, after being welcomed, was asked to say a few motivational words for the teams and also gave a few batting tips to youngsters.
The teams were divided into two groups. While Group A had Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Group B featured India and Bangladesh. Kaif was present for the toss for the first game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan won the toss and captain Zahid Khan elected to field in view of the bowler-friendly conditions.
As the match got under way, the crowd swelled to around 5,000. The Sri Lankan spectators, with their brass band, played music to help their team build some momentum. The Lankans, led by Saman, made 123 runs in 20 overs with Nuwan top-scoring with 31 off 20 balls (two 4s and one six). For Pakistan, Mujeeb and Boota took two wickets each.
In reply, Pakistan scored the required runs in 17.4 overs for the loss of only three wickets. Faisal, who made 55 runs (six 4s), was declared Man of the Match while Marsu was the leading Sri Lankan bowler with two wickets.
Next was the India versus Bangladesh match and, by this time, the stadium was filled to its capacity of 10,000.
The crowd once again started cheering as Abbas escorted Col Abdulla al-Muftah, Director of Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior (MoI), to the centre of the ground to conduct the toss. Col al-Muftah – who was accompanied by Faisal Hudawi of the MoI - greeted the teams and said a few inspirational words for the organisers, teams and spectators.
The toss was won by the Bangladesh captain, Reyaz, who elected to bat first. Bangladesh made 139 with Ahad scoring 45 runs (three 6s) and Rashid 24 (two 6s). For India, Ajay and Shani took two wickets each.
In response, the Indians, led by captain Zaheer, were all out for 97 in 17 overs. Ajay and Manor made 29 and 27 runs,
respectively, for the Indians.
By now, the VIP stand was packed, including families, officials from embassies and Bangladesh’s ambassador, who praised Lagaan Cricket Club’s efforts.
As the stadium became full, a few gates had to be closed as food was served to all the spectators present there, courtesy of Col al-Muftah and Mana Ibrahim al-Mana, member of the Organising Committee. Al-Mana also made himself available to help the volunteers of Lagaan, who were joined by DPS-MIS
support staff.
A raffle draw was conducted every 20 overs and prizes such as TV, mobile phones and gift vouchers from LuLu were given away, worth thousands of riyals. An IPL-like atmosphere was also created inside the stadium with a professional DJ playing music and the crowds dancing to Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bengali and Nepali songs.
For the final, Kaif attended the toss along with Col al-Muftah, escorted by Abbas. Pakistan won the toss and Zahid decided to
bat first.
The Pakistani batsmen put up an impressive show with Faisal scoring 100 runs off 63 balls (three 6s and 13 4s) and Boota making 46 (three sixes and six 4s). These contributions helped take Pakistan’s total to 200.
In reply, the Bangladeshi team was bowled out for 95 and
Pakistan won the tournament.
The awards ceremony was attended by Col al-Muftah, al-Mana, Kaif, Abbas and other dignitaries. While India and Sri Lanka each got QR2,000, Bangladesh won QR4,000 for finishing second and its captain lifted the runners-up trophy. The entire stadium gave a big round of applause to the Pakistani team, which lifted the winners’ trophy and got a cheque for QR7,000, along with “One Love” mementos presented jointly by all the dignitaries on the dais.
The dignitaries lauded all the teams for their participation and also thanked the spectators for turning up in large numbers, appreciating the teamwork of Lagaan in hosting the matches.
Giving the vote of thanks, Abbas thanked the Organising Committee for giving Lagaan Cricket Club the opportunity to conduct the matches and praised the efforts of Col al-Muftah, Hudawi, al-Mana and other officials and volunteers for supporting Lagaan in hosting the tournaments.
Kaif was honoured on the occasion and he expressed happiness at being invited, promising to contribute to the development of cricket in Doha.