Maldives hit up highest total, but still lose

The Maldivian national team's tour of the south taught them a few good lessons. Although they suffered their third defeat in as many matches, they recorded their highest total of the tour against the Galle DCA XI played at the Test venue, the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.

Maldives lost the match by six wickets, but at least had the satisfaction of hitting up a total of 151 runs.

Given first lease of the wicket, Maldives made their runs off 49.3 overs with Samarakoon (3/5) finishing the tail in quick time. Only skipper Moosa Kalim (20) and Mohammed Riyaz (27) resisted the Galle DCA bowling to surpass the 20-run mark. The Lankan bowlers in their turn contributed towards 35 extras of which 30 were wides.

Chasing a victory target of 152 runs, Galle DCA made the necessary runs in 28.2 overs. Opener RM Chandana got the home side to a good start, while Sathuran Sanjeewa with an unbeaten half century guided the local side to victory. He was well supported by Thushara Srilal (39).

Imad Ismail (2/27) and Ismail Nadeem (2/28) shared the bulk of the bowling to take all four wickets.

The visitors' next match will be a tough one against Colts CC, the Premier trophy super league champions at De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa on Friday. They will also meet a Moratuwa XI on Saturday at the same venue before playing their last match of the tour againt Kandy DCA XI at Asgiriya International Stadium on Monday.