May 9 1:30pm
GRAND FINAL
CBM Malé XI A (134/4) v CBM Fuvahmulah XI (129/7)
Cricket Board of Maldives President Mohamed Faisal and Vice President Ahmed Hussain met with the players and officials to observe the national anthem before the match. The National Youth Championships are an important aspect of the work the CBM achieves – and to see the nations cricket playing locations featuring head-to-head is a testament of the support of all kinds provided.
CBM Malé XI A Team won the toss and chose to bat first.
A thoroughly entertaining 1st innings of CBM Malé XI began the match after they had won the toss and chose to bat first. Ryan Tholal (31 from 39 balls) and Shius Fareed (45 from 44 balls) batted with patience and picked off the bad balls to set up the foundation of the innings.
Ibrahim Shadoof scored a sensible 11 but it was Ali Imman with 32 not-out from 20 balls that was the icing on the innings cake as they brought in a total of 134 for the loss of 4 wickets. Ali Imman hit 3 boundaries and 1 maximum.
Mabsar Abdulla Ibrahim, involved in 3 of the 4 wickets, was the pick of the players for CBM Fuvahmulah XI. Ali Naseem, Azin Rafeeq, Mohamed Haikal, Ibrahim Azooz and Mohamed Afsah all bowled tight and economically against a storing batting lineup.
In reply, CBM Fuvahmulah XI flew into an aggressive chase with Azin Rafeeq scoring 61 from 39 balls until he played a wild shot in the 14th Over. 2 more misplaced shots in the next few Overs tipped the balance of pressure firmly in the favour of the Malé XI A Team – and they took full advantage bowling with accuracy and skill. Ali Yaneeu faced 17 dot balls from his 23 balls – and the seeds were sown for an exciting finalé to a thrilling tournament.
Ryan Tholal, the pick of the bowlers, bagged 3 vital wickets and his team mate Tharsha Kavinda collected 2 more to add to his award tally of the tournament.
CBM Malé XI A won by 6 runs.
A presentation ceremony was held at the conclusion of the Final Match to distribute the team and individual awards achieved during the tournament.
Chief Guest H.E. Vice President, Faisal Naseem presented the following awards:
CHAMPIONS – CBM Malé XI A
RUNNERS UP – CBM Fuvahmulah XI
Special Guest C.B.M. President Mohamed Faisal presented the following individual awards:
BEST FIELDER – Nail Ismail Naseer
BEST BOWLER – Tharusa Kavinda
BEST BATSMAN – Shius Fareed
MOST PROMISING PLAYER – Mabsar Abdulla Ibrahim
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Shius Fareed
Special Guest C.B.M. Vice President Ahmed Hussainl presented the following individual Man of the Match awards:FINAL MATCH – Azin Rafeeq (61 runs)
MATCH 1 – Mohamed Ryan Tholal (68 runs & 1 wicket)
MATCH 2 – Mabsar Abdulla Ibrahim (54 runs & 2 wickets)
MATCH 3 – Naseem Ali (72 runs)
MATCH 4 – Shius Fareed (100)
MATCH 5 – Shauf Hassan (126 runs & 2 wickets)
MATCH 6 – Azin Rafeeq (52 runs, 2 wickets & 1 catch)
MATCH 7 – Ibrahim Shadoof (107 runs)
MATCH 8 – Shauf Hassan (53 runs)
MATCH 9 – Mohamed Rayan Tholal (48 runs & 1 catch)
In Addition
The Cricket Board of Maldives President Mohamed Faisal presented the Youth Development Programme U16 Boys Batch with new practice shirts.
This batch is currently preparing for selection of a squad to represent Maldives in the Asian Cricket Council U16 Boys International Tournament to be held in June.
One more of the many steps required along the way to create a sustainable cricket programme for the nation.
The CBM wishes to thank the players and their families for their ongoing vital support to the development of cricket. Every ball faced and every ball delivered is important in the bigger picture.
Tournament Overview
Matches began on Tuesday 2 May in the 2023 U23 Men’s Cricket Tournament held at Ekuveni Cricket Ground, Malé as the first part of the ‘2023 National Youth Championships’.
Three Development squads had been preparing for many months incorporating a blend of existing players and new players. Two of the teams have been practicing and preparing in Malé under the guidance of coaches Ismail Nihad and Ismail Nazwan.
A third squad is being prepared by CBM staff in Fuvahmulah City under the coaching of Riyaz Rasheed and Hassan Mutheeu.
All Tournament Matches, Scorecards, Statistics and Standings
All Tournament Photography & Videos
Development Manager Imad Ismail stated before the tournament began that it has been many years since a men’s national age-group tournament has taken place and this is an excellent opportunity for the players to showcase their talents and perhaps most importantly, these competitive matches are a vital step in their overall long-term development.
A ’round-robin’ league of 9 matches , with each team playing each other 3 times, determined the league standings culminating with a Grand Final match played between the top 2 teams on 9 May.
The format was T20, that is 2 innings of 20 Overs each. Standard MCC/ICC rules apply.
The Cricket Board of Maldives is committed to investing in the next generation of players and this years ‘National Youth Championships’ began with this Men’s U23 Tournament and will be followed at the end of June with the 2023 National Women’s T20 Cricket Shield – also played at Ekuveni Cricket Ground, Malé – featuring teams from Malé, Laam Atoll and Fuvahmulah City.
Matches begin at 1:30pm and 7:45am and the public are keenly encouraged to visit the cricket ground and be part of the occasion.
The CBM wishes to thank the families and friends of the players for their continued support towards the players.
Match Reports
May 2 1:30pm
CBM Malé XI A (227/4) v CBM Malé XI B (90/8)
Winning the toss, Malé XI A chose to bat first and took the key wicket of Ibrahim Sadhoof with the very first ball of the innings. However, it was to be another 14 overs before another wicket would fall as Rayan Tholal scored 68 and Ali Imman scored 63 in a beautiful partnership that set the game up in a positive light for Team A.
Shius Fareed came in and made a not-out 37 to help his team to a total of 227 for the loss of 4 wickets.
8 bowlers were used with Ahmed Naisam Nisah and Laith Ahmed taking a wicket each and the fielders taking 2 run-outs.
In reply, Malé XI B Team battled through their innings with great determination to gain as much experience as possible from the situation. Ahmed Shazin, 1 to watch for the future, scored a brave 32 not-out. Ismail Nazwan scored a patient 12 before leaving a straight one to clean out his stumps. Number 10 batsman Ahmed Urooj Nasrullah watched the ball with eagle-eyes to score 5 not-out from 15 balls,
Hussain Shadhin and Tharusha Kavinda took 3 wickets each in a display of speed and accuracy.
CBM Malé XI A won by 137 runs.
May 3 1:30pm
CBM Fuvahmulah XI (203/7) v CBM Malé XI B (51/10)
Winning the toss, Fuvahmulah XI chose to bat first and the top 5 batsmen all scored double figures to help set up a total of 203/7.
Young Mabsar Ibrahim scored a well worked half-century by being patient early on and then cashing in later in the innings. Naseem Ali scored a quickfire 28 from 15 balls whilst Mohamed Haikal was looking in fine form scoring 23 from 23 balls until the umpire judged him run-out in a close-call.
The bowlers for the Malé XI B Team plugged away at the batsmen right the way through the innings. Ahmed Naisam Nisah bagged himself 2 wickets for 34 runs from his 4 allotted Overs and was supported by Mohamed Zuhaan Razee who also picked up a brace of wickets.
In reply, it was always going to be tough for Malé XI B to chase down 204 to win. Ismail Nazwan, batting at No.3 came in and top scored with 11 from 17 balls with 2 stylish boundaries. Kayan Ibrahim and Mohamed Saneeh frustrated the bowlers by facing 55 balls and scoring 2 runs.
Fuvahmulah XI bowlers ground out the 10 wickets needed for victory – taking 6 clean bowled wickets, 2 catches and 2 run-outs. Mohamed Haikal took 3 wickets with his straight bowling variations. Mabsar Ibrahim, along with his 50, took 2 wickets with his left-arm wrist spin.
Both teams gained valuable experience of the settings, surroundings and elements – a vital role that this tournament aims to deliver.
CBM Fuvahmulah XI won by 152 runs.
May 4 1:30pm
CBM Fuvahmulah XI (155/4) v CBM Malé XI A (138/8)
A close match which could have swung either way throughout the afternoon was played out between the two tournament favourites in the first of their 3 league encounters.
Fuvahmulah XI won the toss and chose to bat – and approached the bowlers with a big dollop of caution early on. Mohamed Haikal scored 24 from 36 balls before he was stumped by Ibrahim Shadoof.
Naseem Ali, watched the ball carefully for a few overs and gradually worked his way into the 40s and then let rip with 3 sixes in succession and a barrage of run scoring shots to end the innings not-out with 72 runs. He was supported well by Ibrahim Mabsar with a cultured 21 from 19 balls. The team scored a balanced 155 losing 4 wickets in their 20 Overs.
Both opening bowlers for the Malé XI A Team bowled economically with 36 runs from their combined 8 Overs. Tharusha Kavinda, Ali Imman and Ryan Tholal bagged a wicket each.
In reply, chasing 156 to win, the Malé XI A Team batsmen looked in good form, watching the balls intently and punishing the deliveries that deserved a thwacking.
Shius Fareed scored a bludgeoning 32 from 36 balls. Ali Imman chopped one to point after looking good with his 21 from 14 balls.
A flurry of 3 wickets in 5 balls from Ibrahim Mabsar took the wind out the sails late on in the innings. However, Ali Layaan gave a brave 20 run fight from 20 balls as him and his team finished their 20 Overs with 138 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
CBM Fuvahmulah XI won by 17 runs.
May 5 7:45am
CBM Malé XI A (216/2) v CBM Malé XI B (82/7)
The first of two matches today, CBM Malé A won the toss and chose to bat first. Both openers played sublime innings captain Ibrahim Shadoof scored 81 before he was clean bowled by Laith Ahmed. The rest of the innings belonged to Shius Fareed who scored the first century of the tournament with 100 (retired) from 57 balls including 11 boundaries and 5 maximums. Congratulations to Shius and everyone enjoyed this masterclass of hitting.
It was a strong effort from all of Malé XI B to bowl this morning and field as well as they did against such good batting. 8 bowlers were used, the pick of them being Mohamed Zuhaan Razee who bowled 2 Overs for 9 runs including 7 dot balls.
In reply chasing 217 to win, Malé XI B batsman Ahmed Shazin demonstrated a maturity in scoring 30 from 35 runs. Ahmed Naisam Nisah aswell shows a promising future ahead as he scored a patient 16 from 38 balls.
Overall, Malé XI B made their biggest total of the tlournament so far with 82 runs scored from 20 Overs.
Thurusha Kavinda bowled a perfect T20 spell collecting 4 wickets for 9 runs from his 4 Overs. Ahmed Sadhaan, Ryan Tholal and Hussain Shadhin each picked up a wicket.
CBM Malé XI A won by 134 runs.
May 5 1:30pm
CBM Fuvahmulah XI (225/1) v CBM Malé XI B (46/7)
A national record and a second century of the day were the highlights of Match 5 of the National Youth Championships, U23 Men’s Edition.
CBM Fuvahmulah XI wont he toss and chose to bat first. Openers Azin Rafeeq and Shauf Hassan piled on the runs and achieved a new Maldives national record for an opening partnership of 209 runs scored in 18.2 Overs. The previous record on file was 205 in 2016 between Iskhandar & Jamaluddeen Schools.
Congratulations to Shauf Hassan as he added to the occasion with a century of 126 not-out scored from 70 balls with 12 boundaries and 6 maximums. Azin Rafeeq was caught for 69 from 50 balls from the bowling of Mohamed Zuhaan Razee – carrying on his good form for CBM Malé B Team.
In reply, Malé B Team again managed to gain valuable experience by staying at the crease and soaking up the pressure. Facing deliveries and being on the field is crucial in the ongoing development of the next generation of players.
Mohamed Afsah with his left arm orthodox took 3 wickets for 10 runs from his allotted 4 Overs, Shauf, having a dream day, took 2 wickets of his own. Naseem Ali, Azin Rafeeq and Mohamed Joodh took a wicket each.
CBM Fuvahmulah XI won by 163 runs
May 6 7:45am
CBM Malé XI A (110/10) v CBM Fuvahmulah XI
The second meeting of the two tournament favourites was the first match of Saturdays scheduled matches. CBM Fuvahmulah XI won the toss and chose to field first and by the end of the third Over Malé A XI were 12/3.
Ryan Tholal steadied the ship and scored a flowing 19 from 21 balls until he was caught. A few more wickets fell regularly around Hussain Shadhin as he top scored for the team with 23 from 38 balls. Ahmed Sadhaan and Mohamed Miuvan both scored 10 to rally the team to 110 all out from 19.4 Overs.
Mohamed Haikal, unpredictable at times, took 3 wickets for 31 runs whilst Ibrahim Azooz, Ibrahim Mabsar and Nassem Ali picked up 2 wickets each.
In reply. CBM Fuvahmulah XI chased down the target in the 15th Over losing just 1 wicket along the way. Azin Rafeeq scored a half-century 52 runs not-out from 45 balls, Shauf Hassan was also not-out on 23 runs. The wicket of Mohamed Haikal fell to the dependable Ryan Tholal for 23 runs scored.
CBM Fuvahmulah XI won by 9 wickets
May 6 1:30pm
CBM Malé XI A (256/1) v CBM Malé XI B (94/7)
Another national record was broken for the second successive day and 2 more centuries were scored!
CBM Malé XI A won the toss and chose to bat and scored a mammoth 256/1 in their 20 Overs; just 9 runs short of the highest ever T20 knock in Maldives cricket.
They did break the record for the highest opening partnership, set yesterday, by a good clear margin – scoring 242 for the first wicket – a remarkable weekend of records and batting!
Captain Ibrahim Shadoof scored 107 not-out from 61 balls hitting 17 boundaries and 2 maximums. His opening partner Shius Fareed also scored 107 with 12 boundaries and 5 maximums before being bowled by the inform bowler Mohamed Zuhaan Razee.
To score above 200 is always seen as a tremendous T20 innings, to score above 250 runs is something special. Well done the team and the players – and a note must be said about the Malé Team B bowlers and fielders that have seen almost 500 runs past them in 2 matches – how they persevere through with smiles and enjoyment is a testament to the Spirit of Cricket that is so often lacking in the modern game.
In reply to the 256 scored, CBM Malé XI B team saw a rare chance for Ismail Nazwan to demonstrate his skills with the bat – scoring a pleasing 50 not-out from 46 balls – leading his team by example.
The Malé XI A Team bowlers also added to the solitary wicket taken in the mornings fixture by bagging a further 7wickets of Malé XI B in the afternoon match.
Hussain Shadhin, Tharusha Kavinda and Ahmed Sadhan all picked up 2 wickets each and Minhaal collected a wicket for himself.
CBM Malé XI A won by 162 runs.
May 7 1:30pm
CBM Malé XI B (106/1) v CBM Fuvahmulah XI (108/0)
The penultimate group match of the tournament saw a Half Century for both teams and a comfortable 10 wicket win for CBM Fuvahmulah XI.
Winning the toss, CBM Malé XI B Team chose to bat first in the afternoon. Ismail Nazwan continued to shine with the bat scoring a second successive 50 in two days; A fine knock of 62 balls including 5 boundaries and 1 maximum. Fellow opener Mohamed Sulaiman continued his improvement with 15 runs and Ahmed Naisam Nisah looks like ‘one for the future’ scoring a not-out 22 from 38 balls.
Mohamed Afsah picked up the single wicket of the innings, and as it turned out, the only wicket of the day!
CBM Fuvahmulah XI openers took just 9.1 Overs to chase the target home. Azin Rafeeq scored 44 not-out from 29 balls and his partner, Shauf Hassan, scored another half-century finishing the innings on 53 from 28 balls.
The Final Match lineup has been confirmed with both favourites ready to battle it out on Tuesday 9th May from a 12:30pm start. Before that both team will play in the last match of the Group stages on Monday 8th. Both matches to be played at Ekuveni Cricket Ground, Malé.
CBM Fuvahmulah XI won by 10 wickets
May 8 1:30pm
CBM Fuvahmulah XI (122/9) v CBM Malé XI A (123/5)
A to-and-fro last group match sets the tournament up for an exciting Final!
CBM Fuvahmulah XI won the toss and chose to bat first but within 11 balls probably wished they had chosen the opposite as Mohamed Miuvan dismissed both openers with his pace.
Naseem Ali and Mabsar Abdulla Ibrahim managed to build some runs in the middle of the innings scoring 36 and 32 respectively until they too went back to the Pavilion. A retirement and a number of run-outs saw the CBM Fuvahmulah XI set a target of 123 to the CBM Malé XI A Team to win.
Tharusha Kavinda continued collecting wickets in the tournament with another 3 wickets for 26 runs from his allotted 4 Overs.
In reply, the batsmen of Malé XI A fared in contrast to the opponents as their openers scored well and at a good speed. Shius Fareed, scored 19, Ibrahim Shadoof scored 24 from 21 balls but it was Ryan Tholal that took the innings by the scruff of the neck and scored a match winning 48 from 55 balls before being caught out.
Hussain Shadhin, Nail Ismail Naseer and Ali Layaan did enough in the last few overs to scrape over the winning line with just 3 balls remaining.
Ibrahim Azooz took 2 wickets and Naseem Ali, Azin Rafeeq and Mohamed Haikal took a wicket each.
CBM Malé XI A won by 5 wickets.
