Sri Lanka Deaf Cricketers in close eight-run win

By Lakshman Ranasinghe

Sri Lanka Deaf cricketers took an early lead (1-0) defeating touring Pakistan Deaf Cricketers by eight runs in the first T20 match played at the Hambantota International Cricket Stadium.  

Sri Lanka winning the toss opted to bat first making a challenging 150 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka got off to a flying start with a fine opening stand of 69 runs by openers Dinuka Sachin and GL Malcolm. Malcolm top scored with an unbeaten 73 coming off in 59 deliveries including seven hits to the ropes and one over.  

Despite a 77 run partnership for the third wicket by Zaka Ahamed and Qamar Naveed, Pakistan batsmen found difficulty in scoring freely as the Lankan bowlers kept them quiet with on the spot bowling.  
Zaka Ahamed top scored for the Pakistanis with 53 in 39 deliveries inclusive of seven boundaries. Pakistan Deaf Cricketers were 142 for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs giving the Lankan a close eight-run win.  
Three ODI matches are scheduled to be played on July 6, 8 and 9 at the Hambantota Cricket Stadium after the second T20 to be played this week.  

Chief Scores:

Sri Lanka 150 in 20 overs (Dinuka Sachin 25, GL Malcolm 73 n.o., Rajitha Asanka 17, Mansoor Khan 1 for 23, Zaka Ahamed 1 for 38)  

Pakistan 142 for 4 wkts in 20 overs (Zaka Ahamed 53, Qamar Naveed 37, M. Nadeen 28 n.o., A Kalep 1 for 28, Sachit Perera 1 for 22)