Maldives begin Lankan tour with a loss

Matara District Cricket Association XI scored an easy six-wicket win over the touring Maldivian national team in their first match of the nine-day tour of Sri Lanka played at the Uyanwatte Stadium on Monday. After winning the toss, the Maldivians batting first were dismissed for 107 runs in 45 overs in their fifty-over friendly encounter.

Opener Mohammed Aflah made the top score for the visitors with 42, while skipper Moosa Kaleem(11) and Ismail Nedheem(13) were the others to reach double figures. Amateurs to cricket, the Maldivians never settled down and lost wickets at regular intervals.

AB Taranga led the bowling attack with 3 for 25, while Jayasekera(2/15) and R Nirmala (2/2) gave good support.

The home side reached the winning target off 30 overs with six wickets in hand. R Nirmala, who excelled in the bowling, was outstanding in the batting too, to be unbeaten on 37, while I Lokuge scored a valuable 20.

Hassan Waheed (2/20) was the main strike bowler for Maldives. Skipper Moosa (1/22) and Ahmed Neesham (1/8) were the other wicket takers. Maldives are currently on a six-match tour of Sri Lanka. All matches against friendly opposition are limited-over encounters.

They play University of Ruhuna at Uyanwatte Stadium, Matara on Tuesday.