CRICKET BOARD OF MALDIVES
Official Match & Presentation Ceremony Report
Malé, Maldives. 20 September 2026 — CBL Sports produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Malé Sports Club by 56 runs in the Grand Final of the 2026 T20 President’s Challenge Cup, held at the Ekuveni Cricket Ground in Malé on Saturday, 19 September.
Match Summary
Electing to bat after winning the toss, CBL Sports set a formidable target of 185/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Tharaka Ruwan spearheaded the innings with a brilliant knock of 80 runs from 50 deliveries, supported ably by Ashan Yapa, who contributed a vital 49 off 36 balls to anchor the top order and maintain momentum throughout the innings.
In reply, Malé Sports Club began their pursuit with intent, led by opener Ismail Ali scoring 34 off 23 balls and Mohamed Rishwan adding 25 from 20 deliveries. However, a disciplined bowling effort from CBL Sports steadily applied pressure and curbed the scoring rate. Prageeth Gunathilaka led the bowling attack with exceptional precision, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in his 4 overs, restricting Malé Sports Club to 129/7 at the close of their 20 overs.
- CBL Sports: 185/3 (20 overs) — Tharaka Ruwan 80 (50), Ashan Yapa 49 (36)
- Malé Sports Club: 129/7 (20 overs) — Ismail Ali 34 (23), Mohamed Rishwan 25 (20); Prageeth Gunathilaka 3/19 (4 overs)
- Result: CBL Sports won by 56 runs
- Scorecard: https://tinyurl.com/477x9s9w
Closing Ceremony & Dignitaries
The CBM is grateful for the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Maldives His Excellency Mohamed Rizvi Hassen in attendance for the final match and closing ceremony of the T20 President’s Challenge Cup 2026.
Tournament Awards & Presentations
- Man of the Match: Tharaka Ruwan (CBL Sports) — presented by Mohamed Riyaz
- Best Batsman: Ismail Ali (Malé Sports Club) — presented by Ahmed Ishaq, CBM Vice President
- Best Bowler: Prageeth Gunathilaka — presented by Ahmed Ishaq, CBM Vice President
- Most Promising Player: Mabsar Abdullah (MSHHSA) — presented by Ahmed Hussain
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Ismail Ali (Malé Sports Club) — presented by Mohamed Faisal, CBM President
- Runners-Up: Malé Sports Club — presented by His Excellency Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Maldives
- Champions: CBL Sports — presented by Honourable Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness
The Cricket Board of Maldives congratulates CBL Sports on securing the prestigious President’s Challenge Cup title and extends its appreciation to all participating clubs, match officials, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the 2026 Maldives Premier League and the President’s Challenge Cup.
Pics 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2jr9ca4e
Stats 👉 https://tinyurl.com/58z9z6xr
The Cricket Board of Maldives is pleased to announce the commencement of the President’s Challenge Cup 2026, featuring the four best-placed teams from the recently concluded Maldives Premier League.
The competition brings together the leading players and teams from the annual flagship Premier League, providing a competitive knockout stage to determine the President’s Challenge Cup winners.
The opening day on 11 September will feature the 1st Semi-Final between Malé Sports Club and CBL at 8:00 AM, followed by the Eliminator between Anakee S.C. and New Star at 2:15 PM. The competition will continue with the 2nd Semi-Final on 12 September, before concluding with the Grand Final on 19 September.
All matches will be played at Ekuveni Cricket Ground, Malé.
The Cricket Board of Maldives extends its sincere appreciation to the President’s Office for its valued relationship with the Board and its support in strengthening the development of cricket in the Maldives.
We look forward to an exciting competition showcasing the country’s leading club cricketers.
Pics 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2jr9ca4e
Stats 👉 https://tinyurl.com/58z9z6xr
#MaldivesCricket #PresidentsChallengeCup #MaldivesPremierLeague #CricketMaldives #EkuveniCricketGround
Friday 11 September
CBL Sports v Malé Sports Club
CBL Sports 156/7 (20 Overs)
Malé Sports Club 156/7 (20 Overs)
Malé Sports Won by Super Over.
Scorecard: https://tinyurl.com/y6dpbbwk
Anakee Sports Club v New Star
ASC 177/6 (20)
New Star 62 from 14 Overs
Anakee Sports Club won by 115 runs
Scorecard: https://tinyurl.com/273m5wm7
Saturday 12 September
CBL Sports v Anakee Sports Club
Abandoned – No Play Possible.
CBL Sports Won by finishing higher in the League Stage.
