The Spanish Select XI got off to the best possible start this morning in the La Manga T-Twenty classic event with a comprehensive victory over the British side, Findon CC.
A revamped schedule due to Reading CC being stranded in the UK because of the Air Traffic Control strike in France saw the Select XI take to the field in the first game of the tournament.
Findon won the toss and batted first, but were soon regretting this decision as runs were as infrequent as flights arriving at Alicante airport. They finally ended up with a total of 96 for 5 which was bolstered by 16 runs scored in the last over of the innings by Bradley Bridson. The Findon skipper finally ended on 25 not out to give the visitors score a semblance of respectability.
Yasir Ali was the pick of the home side bowlers, bagging three wickets for just 13 runs but all five bowlers used by skipper Tanveer Iqbal did their job and went at an economy rate of less than six an over.
Spain never looked in trouble in chasing down such a small total and they surpassed the required total relatively unchallenged. A fine opening partnership of 73 off just 8 overs effectively won the game for the hosts. Tariq Ali eventually fell for 39 and Christian Munoz-Mills followed shortly after but these were the only hiccoups in what was a very clinical performance.
Armaghan Khan remained at the end, having scored a well crafted 39 and his Cataluyna compatriot Nisar Ahmed was unbeaten on nine. Boxall did a job for Findon, bowling a tidy spell of spin bowling that was rewarded with two wickets for the cost of just 16 runs.
Up next for the Select XI this afternoon are RAF Wyton who lost their first game heavily to a Belgium Select XI on the adjoining pitch. United XI of Girona are the other team that Spain will face in the group stages.