The Malta Cricket Association Winter League commenced last weekend with holders Melita Betfair starting their title defence with a win over Krishna at the Marsa oval.

Betfair won the toss and elected to bowl first. Nowell Khosla and Dave Borg gave Krishna a strong start with the latter being the highlight after smashing 25 runs off one over.

Borg retired after 30 balls (local rule), ending with 35 runs including two 6s and four 4s. Khosla ended with 22 after being caught.

Andy Lenard made 20 runs and Joy Ghoseroy 19 as Darren Grech added six runs before being run out while Mike Caruana (eight) and Will Nicholls (six) remained not out.

With extras, Krishna totalled 124 runs from their 20 overs. For Betfair, Justin Brooke was the main wicket taker with two.

In reply, the Naudi brothers put on a show for Melita. Andy opened the innings with Malcolm Crabbe (ten runs) and retired after making 38 runs and Chris seeing his team home with a 37 not out. Bikram Arora chipped in with 28 runs. Lenard and Caruana were the main wicket-takers for Krishna with two. From a fielding point of view, one must mention the efforts of John Rusher who was superb, nothing went past him.

Melita earned eight points for their win and Krishna took only one. The points system is worked as follows: six points for a win, one bonus batting point for scoring 125 runs and an extra point for every 25 runs, one bonus bowling point for taking four wickets and an extra point for bowling the opposition out. Any draws or no result sees the two teams sharing the win points.

On Saturday, Melita play Marsa at 10 a.m.

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