In spite of a hard earn victory against Bahrain, Kuwait were knocked out of the ACC Middle East Cup 2006. In a do or die battle, Kuwait scored 285 runs and their only chance to qualify for the final spot was to gain a bonus point for which they had to restrict Bahrain within 228 runs. In the tussle, Bahrain proved to be a better outfit as they scored 280 runs in 50 overs.
In a rain forecasted weather condition, Kuwait batted first as Mohd Nawaz and Kashif excelled in providing a solid platform for the rest of the batsmen to follow. Nawaz played a sheet anchor innings of 48 runs with 4 hits to the fence. Kashif making better use of the long handle was more adventurous by stroking a quick fire 33 runs which included 2 sixes & 3 fours. It was Tahir Dhar who provided the needed breakthrough for Bahrain as he had Nawaz caught of his own bowling & bowled Kashif. Thereafter, it was Mustanser Butt who took charge of Kuwait innings a played a classic knock giving a ray of hope for Kuwait to qualify. Kuwait skipper Mohd Ali provided him the needed support by launching a counter attack as he cut loose with some sparkling strokes all round the wicket. Mohd Ali’s knock of 50 runs consisted 1 six & 5 fours. Mustanser flicked in style and played in a composed manner. Dancing down the track, Mustanser drove in style, pulled with immense power to score a dashing 88 runs with 6 fours & a huge six. A cameo knock of 31 runs which consisted of 3 towering sixes by Asmattullah finally helped Kuwait post a challenging total of 285. Bahrain bowlers Rizwan 2/45, Tahir Dhar 2/40, Asghar 2/56 were the main wicket takers.
Needed to score 228 runs to qualify for the finals, Bahrain were in dire straights as they lost their 3 batsmen for 16 runs on board. Asghar & Taher Dhar then played with their heads down and steadied the Bahrain innings and using their experience Ashgar piled up the runs with quick singles and gathered momentum to stroke a timely 38 runs. A strong front foot player, Tahir Dhar was willing to take risk and unleashed a flurry of handsome strokes to notch 88 runs which included 8 boundaries and saw his side through to the finals. Aseemul Haque launched a late onslaught to score 43 runs with 6 fours which enabled Bahrain to reach 280 in 50 overs. Mohd Ali took 3 for 31, while Mustanser 2/47 & Abdulla 2/44 were among the other wicket takers. Mustanser Butt was declared man of the match for his excellent all round performance by Mr. Iqbal Sikander, Development Officer Asian Cricket Council.
