Qatar stave off a stiff challenge from Malaysia

Qatar survived some anxious moments before eking out a two-wicket win over Malaysia in the Asia Cup under-15 inaugural match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here yesterday.

A fine four-wicket haul by skipper Omer Arshad along with a strong opening partnership by Fahad Dalwi and Khalid Azeem paved the way for Qatar's triumph after they had restricted Malaysia to 117.

Qatar, who reached the UAE on Friday night and played their first match today without any practice here, did well with a fine effort particularly in fielding.

Malaysia, who lost their first wicket at eight when opener Mohammed Fhadli was bowled by Jasdeep Singh, never really recovered after that. Though their skipper Darvin Muralitharan came with a fighting knock of 40, wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end.

Spinner and skipper Arshad took advantage of the wicket which kept low and bowled three batsmen and had the other stumped. Muralitharan, who hit three fours in his 40, was also one of Arshad's victims.

Malaysia, who were 104 for seven, had a small partnership growing between Abdul Khan and M.N. Jamalludin, but two run outs did them in. At 117, Jamalludin was run out and two balls later Fhadli Ishak was back, run out for nought. Last man in Shanmugham was bowled by Arshad, who led a fine display by the Qataris.

In reply, openers Dalwi and Azeem showed a lot of patience to reach 62 in 22 overs. However, Azeem was out lbw after a well-made 25 with four boundaries. Soon, the short-statured spinner Ahmed Faiz Noor of Malaysia struck and Qatar were soon reduced to 90 for six.

But Dalwi, who played some fine strokes and hit six fours, kept the score moving before he was out for 34.

Malaysia applied some pressure on the Qatari side, but Faisal Noor hit a six before falling in the same over to Faiz Noor, who took four wickets. Needing five more to win, Qatar lost their eighth wicket, but the tailenders kept their nerves to clinch a two-wicket win.

"After restricting Malaysia to 117 we decided to play steadily. But the fall of two quick wickets put some pressure on the boys, who landed here just yesterday," said Qatar's manager and Vice President of the Qatar Cricket Association.

"Our boys were a bit nervous as they were playing on turf for the first time and that too in such a big stadium," he added.

Malaysia's Robert Chung said his team's batting let them down. "We batted poorly. However, we hope to do well in our next match as we are familiar with the Singapore team," he added.

Summarised scores:
Malaysia: 117 (Darvin Muralitharan 40, Mohammed Lokman 16, Omer Arshad 4 for 24) Qatar 118 for 8 (Khalid Azeem 25, Fahad Dalwi 34, Ahmed Faiz Mohammed, Noor 4 for 32, Shahid Ali Khan 2 for 19).