Battle of the Maroons ends in chaos at Pallekelle

S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN, Kandy Sports Corr

The fifth ‘Battle of the Maroons’ between Azar National College, Akurana and Madina Central College, Madawala ended in chaos and confusion with one team claiming victory while the other said it should be a ‘No Decision’ in a rain affected limited over cricket match concluded at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Azar National School made 156 all out and there after rains fell interrupting play when Madina Central College they could go up to only 88 for 2 in 22.2 overs before bad light stopped play at 5.40 pm.

It was then only the real drama unfolded.

The two umpires and the match referee implementing the Parabola system declared Azar National School as winners by 9 runs as 20 overs had been bowled.

But Madina Central College appeared to be not so happy over this decision alleging that their opponents wasted time on the field whilst fielding which denied them of victory, as 13 minutes play was lost.

Match ended on this note as a finality could not be reached and the awards ceremony did not take place.

Azar National Schools batting first scored 156 all out in 40.3 over they were 114 for 9 at one stage before a ditch stand of 42 between H.M. Shamraz (22) and M.S. Akhil (17) helped them to top up the 150 mark.

Azar National College 156 all out in 40.3 overs (M.N.M. Manazir 27, H.M. Shamraz 22, M.S. Akhil 17, M.N.M. Nuslan 17, M.Z. Anaz 19, M.R.M. Fazwan 11, M.U. Umair Khan 10, M.A. Shafeer 6 for 19, S.M. Shiraz 2 for 36).

Madina Central College 88 for 2 in 22.2 over (M.R.M. Rifaz 27, M.M.M Mifraz 33 not out, M.M. Rohamatullah 1 for 7).