Al Faraa CC pulled off a one-wicket victory over Danube Lions to emerge champions of the 41st Bukhatir League for Interface Cup 2015.

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Playing under lights at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Al Faraa chased a challenging target of 273 successfully. Naveed Sarwar was unlucky to miss out on a well deserved century by just two runs but his innings guided Al Faraa to the title. 

Batting first, Danube Lions ran into trouble early after they lost three wickets for just 26 runs. Asif Iqbal and Adnan Mufti revived Danube’s innings with a 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Iqbal mixed caution with aggression, playing the ball on merit to score 88 off 92 deliveries that were peppered with nine boundaries and three sixes.

Mufti played a more restrained second fiddle, scoring at a steady pace as he consumed 96 balls for 48 runs which included four hits to the fence.

Khurram Khan (33, 36b, 3×4, 1×6) and Samiullah Younus (45, 41b, 2×4, 2×6) further consolidated the innings scoring at a good rate to ensure Danube Lions posted a challenging 272 for eight in 50 overs. 

For Al Faraa CC, Hafeez Ur Rahman accounted for four wickets in his 10 overs conceding 61 runs while Mujahid Amin returned with a two-wicket haul.

In reply, Al Faraa opener Mohammad Altaf lasted for just one over where he struggled, getting out after scoring just one run.

Ijaz Bashir (20, 32b, 3×4) was joined by Sarwar, the pair igniting the chase with a 35-run partnership for the second wicket.

Sarwar and Faisal Baig then stitched together a partnership that raised the hopes of a strong fightback for Al Faraa. The duo were together for nearly 28 overs in the middle, cautiously negating Danube bowlers to put on 140 runs between them for the third wicket.

Sarwar was quick in his approach, scoring 98 off 90 deliveries while despatching the ball to the ropes on five occasions and hitting a further five maximums. Baig managed 71 off 98 balls, an innings that contained 10 boundaries.

Nabeel Butt (24, 19b, 2×4, 1×6) made a good start but failed to carry on the momentum as Danube Lions suddenly sprung back to life after Zahoor Khan scalped four quick wickets.

With still 17 runs needed with four wickets in hand, Al Faara lost another two wickets for the addition of just 12 runs. Chetan Kanasara (2 not out) and Ur Rahman (6 not out) held their nerves to guide Al Faraa to an exciting victory.