Maldives suffer second successive defeat

The Maldivian national cricket teams' poor run continued when they went down to Sri Lanka Ruhuna University XI by two wickets in their second match of the tour played at the Uyanwatte Stadium, Matara on Tuesday.

Although chasing a revised target of 101 runs in 38 overs, Ruhuna had no trouble to reach the winning mark and fittingly did so in the 37th over. DGKP Nilantha (41) made the bulk of the runs and was well supported by MSS de Silva (24) at the end of the innings.

The home side lost two quick wickets in the 36th over to be 96 for 8, but managed to squeeze past the required total with extras helping them along. The tourists conceded 20 extras (16 wides) due to some indisciplined bowling.

Imad Ismail (4/17) and Ahmed Neesham (3/17) bowled well for Maldives while Ismail Nadeem (1/22) chipped in with a wicket.

Maldives batting first were in trouble and reeling at 66 for nine wickets. Thanks to a last wicket partnership of 60 runs between Ali Azim (24) and Ahmed Amir (22*) their total reached the 126 mark in 42.5 overs. Skipper Moosa Kaleem (21) was the other notable contributor to the total.

Rajitha de Silva (6/33) spearheaded the attack destroying their middle order while DGKP Nilantha (3/30) supported his partner. However it as HDI Dushantha (1/21) who broke the threatening last wicket partnership.

Maldives play against Galle DCA XI at the Galle International Cricket Stadium tomorrow (on Wednesday).