Qatar produced a remarkable batting display to chase down 332 and defeat Kuwait by five wickets in a high-scoring match.
Bhavsar anchored Kuwait’s innings with 120 not out from 106 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes. He received valuable support from Ravija Sandaruwan, who scored 46 off 53 deliveries, and Clinto Anto, who contributed 42 from 47 balls. Captain Mohammed Aslam added 45 as Kuwait built a formidable total.
Qatar’s Owais Ahmed and Muhammad Asim claimed two wickets each, but Kuwait finished strongly to set the visitors a challenging target which took much sweat for Qatar who fought hard under the heat of Ruaraka Cricket Ground.
The response was unimaginable. Shahzeb Afridi set the tone with a blistering 105 from just 57 balls, hitting 15 fours and five sixes. His aggressive innings gave Qatar early momentum and kept the required run rate firmly within reach.
Zubair Ali provided the perfect counterbalance, producing a composed century of 100 from 101 deliveries, including nine fours. The pair laid the foundation for the chase, while Zeeshan Haider contributed a fluent 51 from 47 balls to keep Kuwait bowlers on the edge in every ball.
Although Kuwait claimed five wickets, Qatar’s batting depth ensured the chase never slipped beyond their control. Afridi was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century and patience that anchored the hard fought win.
The victory marks an important result for Qatar in the Challenge League A campaign, demonstrating their ability to chase a substantial total under pressure. For Kuwait, Bhavsar’s magnificent century ultimately proved insufficient as Qatar’s aggressive approach with the bat carried them over the line.
