Qatar opener Saqlain Arshad scored 97 runs against Canada yesterday.
Qatar suffered a hiccup at the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League Group A yesterday when they were outclassed by Canada by 115 runs in a high scoring match in Kuala Lumpur.
Qatar, who defeated Singapore and Malaysia in their first two matches, however, remained optimistic about their chances to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup, with vice-captain Mohammed Rizlan hoping team to bounce back in the ‘long qualification phase.’
Centuries by NR Kumar (129) and SA Wijeyeratne (112) were the highlights of Canada’s innings yesterday as they posted a mammoth 379 with the loss of four wickets from 50 overs after electing to bat first. RA Thomas (51) was the other main scorer for Canada.
It was a day to forget for the Qatari bowlers who were hit for runs all over the ground.
Iqbal Hussain, who conceded 88 runs from his 10 overs, took three wickets while GBW Munaweera took one wicket after giving away 91 runs from 9 overs.
Chasing a big total, Qatar got off to a good start from Kamran Khan (68) and Saqlain Arshad (97) as both compiled 149 runs in 25.2 for the opening wicket partnership.
However, the other Qatari batsmen succumbed to mounting asking rate and lost wickets on short intervals. Eventually, the team was bowled out for 264 runs with seven balls to spare.
Apart from the openers, Qatar vice captain Rizlan (32) was notable scorer from the losing side. NR Kumar (5-72) was pick of the bowlers for Canada.
Qatar will meet Denmark today in their fourth match of the event, which forms part of the qualification pathway to the 2023 Cricket World Cup .
Canada are on top of the points table after winning all their three matches, followed by Singapore and Qatar, who have two wins apiece.
Rizlan said Qatar were unfortunate as they lost key bowlers in an important match against Canada.
“It was a flat track and we missed our main bowlers due to injuries,” Rizlan told The Peninsula from Kuala Lumpur.
“We have some positives from the match including our opening partnership, which is highest of the tournament so far.
“Monday’s (today) match against Denmark is crucial for us and we will continue to put our best effort,” he said before adding that Qatar has a strong chance to advance in the qualifications for the ICC World Cup.
“We have five matches in this event and then there will be two more events. In all, we will play 15 matches and after that we will come to know about our fate. We are confident of doing well throughout this phase. Even, anything can happen in this tournament also as we have two more matches left,” he added.
