United Challengers edge Transfast Legends in thrilling Division B final

QCA domestic cricket head Gul Khan Jadoon (second from left) presents the winner’s trophy to Qatar Airways T20 Division B champions United Challengers at the West Bay Grounds.

Riyaz struck a fine half-century and Imraz snapped three wickets for 14 to engineer a pulsating two-run victory over Transfast Legends in the Division B final at the popular Qatar Airways T20 Cricket Tournament. At the West Bay Grounds, United Challengers batted first and posted 146 for six, an encouraging total to defend. Ajay spearheaded the chase and hit a responsible 64 off 61 balls. However, Imraz, supported by Riyaz, Rehan and Nasir Mohamed, kept taking wickets regularly to deny the rivals victory by two runs. The final was quite memorable for Riyaz as his all-round display fetched him the Player of the Match Award for a second successive match. His 43-ball 50 included eight hits to the rope. Besides, his second-wicket stand with Ali realised 53 runs and lifted them close 150-mark. Mohamed also came up with a useful performance. He slammed three fours in an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls before Naushad, Subin and Showbeez all picked two wickets each. Transfast Legends were made to struggle during the chase by United Challengers. No partnership of substance could be developed. As a result, Ajay, who cracked one six and three fours in his 61-ball 64 not out, was left fighting alone at one end. For Transfast Legends, the biggest stand was worth 43 runs for the fourth wicket between Ajay and Subin, who counter-attacked the opponents well. At 89, Subin was dismissed by Rehan for 21, which included two sixes and one four. After that Transfast Legends lost the momentum and fell short of the target merely by two runs. Imraz grabbed three wickets in his four overs, while Riyaz, Mohamed and Rehan shared the remaining three wickets. BRIEF SCORES United Challengers 146 for 7 (Riyaz 50, Nasir Mohamed 28 not out; Naushad 2/31, Subin 2/24, Showbeez 2/17) bt Transfast Legends 144 for 6 (Ajay 64 not out, Subin 21; Imraz 3/14) by two runs.