Pretoria (South Africa): Malayalam star C.M.C. Najla’s bowling gave India a four-wicket victory in the Twenty20 cricket match against the South Africa Under-19 team. Najla, a native of Malappuram district, took three crucial wickets in the game. Only four runs were conceded in three overs. India lead the five-match series (2-0). Score: South Africa-86/9 in 20 overs. India-87/6 in 15 overs.
From the start of the game, South Africa were floundering in front of the Indian bowlers. Ayanda Hlubi was the first to be kicked out by Najla. Caught by Shafali Verma. Later Richaghosh stumped Simone Lawrence on Najla’s ball and dismissed him. Gemma Botha was bowled and took the third wicket.
For India, two Falak Naas, Yashwasree Mannath Kashyap, Sonia Mendia and Shafali Verma took one wicket each. In reply, Shafali Verma (29), Richaghosh (15) and Soumya Tiwari (14) shone for India. The fourth Twenty20 match will be played on Tuesday at 1.30 pm. The second match was abandoned due to rain.
Najla is a native of Pachatiri Murivahikal in Malappuram Tirur.
Sultanbathery is a graduate student of St. Mary’s College. The training was conducted at the Kerala Cricket Association Academy. He captained Kerala twice in the under-16 category. Chatheri is the daughter of Naushad-Mumtaz.