Madina Central win by 3 wickets

by S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Corr.

Madina Central College, Madawala, took a 2 - 0 lead in the series when they defeated Azar Central College, Akurana, by three wickets with six balls to spare in an exciting finish in their 3rd "Battle of the Maroons" played at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy.

Madina Central won this match last year too and their victory was fashioned by last year's skipper M.S.M. Suhail who scored a brilliant 67 not out in 67 balls with the aid of 7 fours, to spearhead his side to victory after they were facing defeat at one stage of the match.

Manager Coaching of Sri Lanka Cricket Malcolm Perera was the Chief Guest. Malcolm Perera said that this was one of the best big matches he had witnessed this season and they should convert this limited over clash into a two day clash. The Sri Lanka Cricket will all they could do in this direction and also help the two schools.

Earlier two good knocks of 58 by Zakir Hussain and M.I.M. Azair 58 helped Azar Central to total 207.Madina Central who were behind in the scoring rate at 104 for 3 off 32 overs at one stage, accelerated their scoring in the final stages of this match mainly through the effort of M.S.M. Suhail who was also adjudged the 'Man of the Match'.

Azar Central College : 208 all out in 49.4 overs (M.I.M. Azair 58, Anaz Mohamed 11, F.M. Zakir Hussain 58, I.M. Ifthikhan 11, Wazeehul Ahamed 3 for 32, Y. Imran 2 for 33, Extras 36)

Madina Central College : 209 for 7 wickets in 49 overs (M.U.M. Nifran 10, S.M. Subail 67 not out, M.S.M. Fszmin 29, M.S.M. Wsseem 27, M.I.M. Rashid 14, M.I.M. Azahir 2 for 64, A.L.M. Shamraz 2 for 22, Extras 36)