Madina, Azhar level series

S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN Kandy Sports corr.

Madina Central College, Madawala, came up with a fine performance to defeat Azhar College, Akurana by five wickets to level the series in their second "Battle of the Double Maroons" played at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy on Monday.

The inaugural encounter played last year was won by Azhar Central College.

Azhar Central winning the toss and took first lease of the wicket and were soon in trouble losing wickets at regular intervals.

None of the batsmen were able to put up any resistance to build up a substantial total. A. F. M. Mujubur Rahman was the top scorer with 23 and the innings folded up for 141 in 49.1 overs.

In a limited game like this negative batting will not pay dividends. Medium pacer Manzir Ashsan was the pick of the bowlers capturing 3 for 11.

Chasing a target of 142 to win started off well with skipper Mohamed Sohail and M. F. Mohamed Ahfak making very useful contributions early in the innings laying a good foundation. Mohamed Ashfak in particular cut, drove and pulled with ease to score a delightful unbeaten 62 with the aid of 8 fours to help his side to post victory. He was also adjudged Man of the Match. Deputy Director of Physical Education of the Central Province Department of Education Gamini Obeysekera was the Chief Guest and he distributed the awards with Sunil Fernando.

Azhar Central College 141 all out in 49.1 overs (Mujubur Rahman 23, Zakir Hussain 20, M. R. M. Ifthikan 22, N. U. Shukri 17, M. Z. Anaz Mohamed 15, M. N. M. Nuslan 12, Manzir Ahsan 3 for 11, M. Ahfak 2 for 141.

Madina Central College 142 for 5 in 44.2 overs (A. R. M. Shafni 16, Mohamed Sohail 32, M. F. Mohamed Ashfak 62 not out, M. H. M. Nuzair 16, M. T. M. Lareef 2 for 16)