There are many instances in the sporting world where siblings represent a national team together but it is quite a rarity when a father and son represent the national team. But when it comes to the Kuwait national cricket team, the father-son pair is a regular feature.

Like in the match against Bangladesh in the Asian Games yesterday, father Bastaki Mahmoud and his son Bastaki Fahad apparently carry the entire Kuwait team on their shoulders. Mahmoud leads the side while his son is his deputy. More often than not, they both tend t be the mainstays of the team. The son also stands behind the stumps.

Despite their 203-run defeat against Bangladesh in the quarterfinal yesterday, Fahad scored the second-highest-- six runs-- in the team's total of 21, after taking a three-for with his right-arm offbreaks. Those three wickets included the prized scalp of Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal. The 23-year-old spinner was visibly delighted with his effort.

"Though it was a bad delivery (which got Tamim), it gave me a lot of pleasure, especially because my father took the catch. As I'm also a wicketkeeper, I have taken many catches off my father's bowling, but it was the first time today that the reverse happened. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life," said Fahad.

According to Fahad, who grew up watching international cricket on TV, playing against Bangladesh was a dream come true.

"I have seen these players on TV only. This is the first time I am seeing them in person and talking to them. It is a dream come true," said a smiling Fahad, who also caught Shakib al Hasan behind the stumps.

Even though Mahmoud, could not get his willow to talk, he too contributed with the ball by taking two wickets. But he is more delighted to be able to represent his country at the international level.

"By the grace of Allah, I am very happy and I thank the Kuwait cricket board for giving us such an opportunity to represent the national team. I want to keep playing cricket for as long as I am fit," said the 58-year-old, whose daytime job is to lead the credit finance department of a Kuwaiti bank.