By ELIAS CHIPEPO –

HOSTS BML XI moved into fifth position on the Copperbelt Cricket Association (CCA) league table after beating Nkana Under-19 Development Side by 11 runs in a gripping match played at Nkana Cricket Club at the weekend.
BML XI won the toss and opted to bat first but struggled to score runs with Nkana bowler Levy Mwila dismissing both BML XI openers.
Former junior internationals Leonard Kabesa and Joseph Mwelwa gave BML XI innings some impetus with late hitting as their team was restricted to 126 for eight in 30 overs.
The best bowler for Nkana Development Side was Under 19 national team player Lucky Lubinga, who picked up four wickets, while Levy Mwila and Salifya Sinkamba both got two wickets apiece.
Nkana Development Side batting second was all out for 115 in 30 overs. Opener Usher Simwinga top scored with a knock of 28 runs while man of the match Lucky Lubinga hit 18 runs.
According to results released by the CCA, hosts Kanini suffered their fourth consecutive loss at the hands of visiting Luanshya Royals A, who have now moved into second position on eight points.
Luanshya Royals A won the toss and chose to bat first and scored 272 for six in their allotted 30 overs. James Zimba top scored with 70 runs with Isaac Mwaba also hitting a half century. Pick of the bowler for Kanini was Harrison Kanina with two wickets.
Kanini batting second, were all out for 122 runs in 28.4 overs. Pravin Patel top scored with 30 runs while Kalpeshi Patel made 21 runs. There were two wickets apiece for, Steven Banda, Nicholas Mubanga and Irfan Barija.
Meanwhile, Athenes XI continue leading the log with eight points followed by Luanshya Royals A while AMSL and Nkana are tied on six points, JAIDS XI and BML XI are on four points with Luanshya Development Side on two points while Nkana Development Side, Mufulira and Kanini are without a point.