Mohammad Ahnaff and Muhammad Tanveer shared a 76-run fourth wicket stand to steer Qatar to a comfortable five-wicket win against Thailand in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha yesterday.Qatar chased down the target of 123 runs in 17.2 overs with Man of the Match Ahnaff making 50 off 47 balls aided with six fours and one six. Tanveer contributed 48 runs (33 balls) slamming five fours and two sixes.Earlier, after being put into bat, Thailand rode on the knocks of opener Akshaykumar Yadav (37 runs; 47 balls; 2x4s), Sorawat Desungnoen (26 runs; 19 balls; 1x4; 2x6s), and Nitish Salekar 28 not out (23 balls; 2x4s).Qatar’s left-arm pacer Ikramullah Khan took three wickets for 17 runs while Mirza Baig, Mohammed Nadeem and Saqlain Arshad picked a wicket each to restrict Thailand to 122 for 7.Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates also made a winning start to their campaign beating Bhutan by 63 runs at the University of Doha for Science and Technology Stadium. Batting first, UAE scored 166 for 6 with captain Alishan Sharafu scoring 50 (42 balls; 3x4s, 3x6s) and Muhammed Waseem making 46 (24 balls; 4x4s, 4x6s). The openers shared a 61-run partnership. In reply, Bhutan were restricted to 103 for 8 with Thinley Jamtsho being the highest run-getter scoring 28 (24 balls; 2x4s, 2x6s). Off-spinner Dhruv Parashar was the most successful bowler for UAE finishing with 4 for 12 in his four overs while Muhammed Jawadullah claimed 2 for 17.In another match, Bahrain pipped Saudi Arabia by 3 runs. Put into bat, Bahrain reached a total of 188 for 5 wickets with skipper Haider Ali scoring an unbeaten 67 (51 balls; 6x4s, 2x6s), and Imran Anwar making 53 runs (35 balls; 2x4s, 4x6s).In reply, Saudi Arabia despite a 55-ball century from opener Abdul Waheed 110 runs (8x4s, 7x6s) failed to reach the target falling short by three runs at 185 for 9.ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub Regional Qualifier B have a total of 7 teams are taking part - Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bhutan, Bahrain, Thailand, UAE and Cambodia from which the top two will qualify for the Regional Final, where they will be joined by Nepal, Oman, and Papua New Guinea.BRIEF SCORESThailand 122-7 (A Yadav 37, N Salekar 28 n.o., S Desungnoen 26; I Khan 3-17) lost to Qatar 123-5 in 17.2 overs (M Ahnaff 50, M Tanveer 48; N Senamontree 2-27) by five wickets.Bahrain 188-5 (H Ali 67, I Anwar 53) beat Saudi Arabia 185-9 (A Waheed 110) by three runs.UAE 166-6 (A Sharafu 50, M Waseem 46) beat Bhutan 103-8 (T Jamtsho 28; D Parashar 4-12) by 63 runs.

US special envoy Amos Hochstein said during a visit to Beirut on Tuesday that an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war was "now within our grasp" as he met with officials to discuss a truce plan largely endorsed by Lebanon.The United States and France have spearheaded efforts for a ceasefire in the war, which escalated in late September after nearly a year of deadly exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli troops.Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon, vowing to secure its northern border to allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.Since the clashes began with Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, more than 3,544 people in Lebanon have been killed, authorities have said.Most of the deaths have been recorded since late September, among them more than 200 children, according to the United Nations.Following a meeting yesterday with Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation on behalf of the group, Hochstein told reporters he saw "a real opportunity" to end the fighting."I'm here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it's ultimately the decision of the parties... It is now within our grasp."Berri told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat after the meeting that "the situation is good, in principle", adding his team and representatives of the United States still had "some technical details" to settle.Hochstein also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and army chief Joseph Aoun during the visit.A Lebanese official said Monday that his government had "a very positive view" of the truce plan.Since expanding its operations to Lebanon in September, Israel has conducted extensive bombing campaigns primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds.The UN said yesterday that more than 200 children had been killed in Lebanon since Israel escalated its campaign.Israel has also sent ground troops into southern Lebanon, where it said yesterday one soldier had been killed in combat and three others wounded.Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets, drones and missiles into Israel almost daily.Hezbollah said yesterday it had launched "a salvo of missiles" at the Glilot military intelligence base in the Tel Aviv suburbs.It said it also attacked Israeli troops in four places in south Lebanon, including near the flashpoint town of Khiam.The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) later said four Ghanaian peacekeepers had been wounded when a rocket, "fired most likely by non-state actors", hit their base. (AFP)

The groundbreaking for ‘Land of Legends Qatar’, which is set to become one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East, and the first state-of-the-art entertainment destination within Simaisma Project, was held under the patronage and presence of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani last night.The milestone project at Simaisma, born of a dynamic partnership between the Türkiye- headquartered FTG Development and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, is set to transform tourism and entertainment in the region.The ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality and Chairman of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, other ministers, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company CEO Ali Mohamed al-Ali, Founder of FTG Development and President of Land of Legends in Antalya, Turkey, Fettah Tamince, CEO of Accor Group, Sebastien Bazil, among other dignitaries.Land of Legends Qatar is a “foreign investment project” in Qatar’s tourism sector and the foreign investment in the project is worth $3bn. Its a first major development within Simaisma Project, which spans over 8mn square meters and stretches along a stunning 7km beach.This expansive project emphasises sustainability, integrates smart systems, and leverages advanced construction technologies to create an environmentally responsible development with world-class features. Alongside the theme park, Simaisma will feature an 18-hole golf course, a luxury yacht marina, high-end residential villas, and a variety of dining and retail options, establishing it as a premier leisure destination.Expected to attract 2mn visitors annually, Land of Legends Qatar will play a central role in advancing Qatar’s tourism landscape and supporting the nation’s goals for economic diversification.The project, which spans over 650,000 sqm, offers an unforgettable experience, taking visitors on an enchanting journey inspired by Ibn Battuta, across seven themed zones with multi unique themed attractions.Land of Legends Qatar unfolds as a modern ‘Rihlah’, inviting guests to explore diverse landscapes, immersive experiences, and cultural marvels.This destination is packed with delights for all ages, including the family-friendly Kingdom Hotel with conference facilities and beachside activities, and Music Hotel, a multicultural destination which hosts a futuristic celebration of the world’s music and its forward evolution with a total of 1000 hotel rooms, from an impressive 80-meter-high mountain to boat parades along scenic canals and thrilling water adventures, every corner promises something extraordinary.A first ‘Moving Theater’ of the region, equipped with state-of-the-art interactive technology, promises a fully immersive cinematic experience. ‘Flying Theater’, a soaring adventure ride flying over the ‘Natural Marvels of the Arabic World Today’, which transforms into the fantastical myths and legends of the region. Visitors can also enjoy luxurious villas and a world-class dining selection, making each moment truly special.On the occasion of the groundbreaking for the first major entertainment destination within the Simaisma Project, al-Attiyah said, "This event marks an important step toward realising an ambitious vision aimed at enhancing Qatar's position regionally and internationally, establishing it as a leading tourist destination. The 'Land of Legends' project is a key component of Qatar's strategy to diversify its national economy, offering an exceptional experience that will contribute to attracting investments and advancing the tourism sector."The minister noted that the Ministry of Municipality plays a pivotal role in supporting the project through strategies aimed at improving the quality of life, promoting sustainability, fostering innovation, and providing advanced infrastructure.He also pointed out the Ministry’s commitment to careful planning and ensuring the project’s integration with the master plan for the Simaisma area, which guarantees the project's sustainability and supports the development of a sustainable and long-term community.He added: "This project not only enhances tourism but also contributes to creating promising investment opportunities and strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors, which supports long-term economic development and lays the foundation for an integrated community that aligns with Qatar's future vision."Al-Ali said the groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in enhancing Qatar's position as a leading tourism destination on both regional and global levels."The Simaisma Project embodies an inspiring vision that reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class entertainment experience with a distinctive Qatari touch. It also aims to attract investments in the tourism sector and create new job opportunities, all while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, which are integral to Qatar's future vision."He highlighted that Qatari Diar possesses extensive expertise and advanced resources in real estate development, spanning over two decades across 20 cities in four continents. These projects cover diverse sectors, including entertainment, commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments, as well as smart cities, infrastructure, and their associated services.The Qatari Diar CEO added: “This wealth of experience ensures that our partnership in developing the largest entertainment city in the region is both robust and pioneering, capable of achieving exceptional outcomes."Tamince said, “We are delighted to bring the unique Land of Legends experience to Qatar with our partner Qatari Diar, creating a destination that is more than just a theme park or hotel. It is a lively world of entertainment and leisure that will add a new dimension to Qatar’s attractions and become a top choice for holidays and fun for millions in the region.”Qatari Diar has a rich portfolio of developments within and outside Qatar, having 50 investment projects under development in some 20 countries, combining an investment value of around $35bn.