A HISTORIC EVENT IN GCC AS ICC CELEBRATES ASIA CRICKET WEEK 2024

 

The T20 Cricket Series, "Celebrating ICC Asia Cricket Week: Kuwaiti Nationals Vs Bahraini Nationals – Yalla Shabab," was organised from April 25th to 27th, 2024, at the esteemed Sulaibiya Cricket Ground, which marked a significant milestone in Kuwait's sporting annals. The three-match series showcased the talents of both Kuwaiti and Bahraini nationals in an exciting face-off as the fans caught the excitement live on Fancode and the Kuwait Cricket Official Facebook page @kuwaitcricketofficial. Beyond being a cricketing showdown, the series was conducted as part of the ICC Asia Cricket Week festivities, symbolizing a deeper connection to the sport, aimed to kindle camaraderie and enthusiasm among local cricket aficionados.

 

Following the IPL format, the playing eleven of both Kuwaiti Nationals & Bahraini Nationals squad, at their discretion, had the option of having four U19 players for grass roots development & much required exposure to their budding young talents, along with the promotion of the game amongst local nationals like never before.

Leading the Kuwaiti nationals cricket team was the dynamic Fahad Mahmoud Bastaki, with Abdur Rehman Al Kendari who served as vice-captain. Comprised solely of Kuwaiti nationals, the team has had a rich history in professional cricket leagues organized by the Kuwait Cricket Club and has proudly represented the nation in events like the Asian Games, with sights set now on future Olympic endeavors. It was the first time that the combination of father and two sons came to life in the T20 format in this region, as the legendary Mahmoud Bastaki had both Fahad and Mohammed play alongside him.

 

On the Bahraini front, under the guidance of Mohammad Ismail (Captain), and Junaid Niazi who served as Vice Captain respectively of the Bahrain national team brought forth a wealth of experience garnered from active participation in regional domestic tournaments.

 

Mr. Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket Club, lauded the Kuwaiti Nationals team as ambassadors of cricket within the Kuwaiti community, blending seasoned players with budding talent. He reminisced about their stellar performances in previous Asian Games and eagerly anticipates their future endeavors, including the 2030 and 2034 editions. Mr. Farman appreciated the efforts and performances of the Kuwaiti Nationals Team in the concluded “Yalla Shabab” series and congratulated the Bahraini National Team for clinching a well deserved championship.

 

Match 1 Highlights

 

The first match of three match series between the Bahraini Nationals and Kuwaiti Nationals was a cricketing spectacle on 25th April 2024 at SulaibiyaCricket Ground, Kuwait. Kuwaiti Nationals won the toss and chose to field first, inviting the Bahraini Nationals to set the scoreboard. The Bahraini Nationals came out with a strong performance, posting a massive total of 195 runs in their stipulated 20 overs, losing just 5 wickets.

There were two powerpack innings by Bahraini batters, one from Waleed Khan (65) and Junaid Aziz ( 64). For Kuwaiti Nationals Rudransh picked 2 wickets, Ummer and the Kuwaiti legend Mahmoud Bastaki took one wicket each. The chase wasn’t impressive, the Kuwaiti Nationals kept losing their wickets in regular intervals and were all out for 77 runs in just 16.2 overs, falling short by 118 runs. A tough day on the field for the Kuwaiti Nationals indeed! In the chase none of the Kuwaiti nationals flourished except Ummer who scored 33 runs.

For Bahraini Nationals Abid Ullah and Yousif picked two crucial wickets each and Shujaat with one. The player of the match was undoubtedly Waleed Khan Mohammad from the Bahraini Nationals. His exhilarating batting performance of 65 runs off just 31 balls, including 1 four and 7 sixes, with a stunning strike rate of 209.68, earned him the award. What an incredible display of power-hitting! .

 

Match 2 Highlights

 

Bahraini Nationals won the toss and chose to bat first, The Bahraini Nationals came out with a strong performance yet again . Mohammad scored a blistering 50 in 34 balls and Mohammed Ismail contributed with 41 runs. Bahraini nationals posted a robust score of 176 runs with the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. It was a display of skillful cricket that kept us on the edge of our seats. For Kuwaiti nationals Atiq bowled well taking 3 wickets in his 3 overs giving away just 16 runs. Mohammed and Umer picked one wicket each.

However, the Kuwaiti Nationals, not to be outdone, responded with a hard-fought 109 runs, losing 5 wickets. Skipper Fahad Bastaki stood as the top scorer with 35 runs. For Bahraini Nationals Shujaat, Yousif, and Junaid picked one wicket each. They fought tooth and nail but fell short, allowing the Bahraini Nationals to claim a grand victory by 67 runs and bagged the title. The star of the show was undoubtedly Mohammad Sameer Fayyaz who put on a batting masterclass. With a scintillating 53 runs off just 30 balls, including 1 boundary and 5 sixes, and a strike rate of 176.67, he was rightly named the player of the match. With this victory Bahraini Nationals secured the championship on their name .

 

Match 3 Highlights

 

What a thrilling finale to the Asia Cricket Week T20 Series - Yalla Shabab! In the 3rd match between Bahraini Nationals and Kuwaiti Nationals, the excitement was at its peak. The Kuwaiti Nationals, having won the toss, elected to bowl first. Bahraini Nationals came out strong, making a highly competitive score of 165 runs with a loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. The chase was on for the Kuwaiti Nationals, and they fought hard making 166 runs but with 9 wickets down in 20 overs. Jaber made a fantastic 54 in 42 balls and Hamza 34 in 25 balls. For Kuwaiti Nationals Rudransh picked three important wickets . Ummer and Janath shared one wicket each. Despite Kuwaiti National’s valiant effort, the Bahraini Nationals emerged victorious, winning the match by 42 runs. The star of the match was undoubtedly Shahi Muhammad Fahim, who picked three crucial wickets and scored 13 runs earned him the player of the match. Congratulations to the entire Bahraini Nationals contingent for their well deserved victory and with this win, Bahraini Nationals clinched the championship 3-0.

 

The three match series was concluded with a presentation ceremony on 27th April 2024 at SulaibiyaCricket Ground. The presentation ceremony witnessed key dignitaries from Kuwait Cricket Board namely Mr. Emaad Al Jassam, General Secretary, Mr. Mahmoud Bastaki, Board Member, and Mr. Sajid Ashraf, Director General of KCC.

Mr. Emaal Al Jassaam congratulated the Bahraini Nationals on their famous victory and appreciated the efforts and hard work of all the key members involved whilst looking forward to a bright cricketing future for the locals as well as the expats in the region.

 

Mr. Sajid Ashraf emphasized on the need of growing this format to more teams from the GCC countries to develop the sport and garner more interest across the region amongst corporate sponsors and lauded the untiring efforts of the entire organizing committee of KCC in making this event so successful.

 

To conclude the presentation ceremony which was carried out by Harman Singh, along with the coveted champions trophy, following awards were given out to the best individual performers of the series by the present organizing committee members comprising of Robert Dsouza, Tournament Director, Qasim Ali, Head Coach & Development Manager and Naveen Jayan, Head of Match Officials & Technical.

 

* Best Batsman: Mohammad Sameer Fayyaz (Bahraini Nationals Team) 92 runs

* Best Bowler: Rudransh Panchal 6 wickets ( KuwaitiNationals Team)

* Best Allrounder: Ummer Abbas 81 runs & 3 wickets ( Kuwaiti Nationals Team)

* Player of the tournament: Ummer Abbas ( KuwaitiNationals Team)

The ICC Asia Cricket Week “Yalla Shabab” T20 Series was powered by Al Muzaini Exchange and supported by Kuwait Swedish, Logistics Partner of KCC, Al Hafiz, Print Solutions Partner, Pro Sports, Sports Equipment Partner, Caesars, Catering Partner, Gateway, PR & Marketing Consultants, Cricklsab, Digital Technology Partner, T10 Sports , Clothing Partner and Fancode, the Broadcasting partner of KCC.