Indian Cultural Centre holds Cricket Festival

The Indian Community XII team which won the Community Cricket Festival 2014 yesterday at the Old Ideal Indian School grounds. Indian ambassador Arora (in blue T-shirt) is also seen. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

Indian Community XII defeated Indian Ambassador’s XII by four wickets in the Indian Cricket Festival 2014 held at the Old Ideal Indian School grounds yesterday.

The event, which used to be regular feature in the community until six years ago, was revived at the initiative of Indian ambassador to Qatar Sanjiv Arora, an avid cricket fan.

The winning team was led by Indian Business Promotion Network (IBPN) president Azeem Abbas.

On winning the toss, the Ambassador’s XII, thanks to good batting display by Harish Kanjani and Ravi Kumar, made a quick 31 in just four overs. At the end of their stipulated 20 overs, some useful batting by opener Ravi Kumar (unbeaten 39) and a whirlwind 22 off only 9 balls by Habib ul Nabi helped the team post 153 for 5 wickets. Ramesh remained not out on 23. Arun Kumar made 15.

In their reply, the Community XII reached the target losing six wickets, with 2.1 overs remaining. The main contributions came from Tariq Qureshi (27 not out), Kashyap Dalal (23), Farid (22), Gopal (16), Salim Kutty (18), Diwan (14) and Sheji (18). For the Ambassador’s XII, wicketkeeper Ravi Kumar stood out, with his good stumping abilities, and two catches. He was later adjudged the ‘batsman of the day’.

Gulf Incon was the main sponsor of the event. Al-Sulaiman Jewellery & Watches (kit), S A M Basheer (ground), and Doha Modern Printing Press (Brochure) were the other sponsors. The event was organised by the Indian Cultural Centre in association with the Qatar Veterans’ Cricket League.

Individual prizes: Best batsman: Ravi Kumar (Indian Ambassador’s XII), Best bowler (Salim Kutty, Indian Community XII), Man of the match: Tariq Qureshi (Indian Community XII), Umpires: Santosh and Surendra Merugu.

Chaya Arora, wife of ambassador Arora was the chief guest. The guests of honour were Arora and manager of Gulf Incon Sajjad Khan.