Richmond 181 Stanmore 186-3

Middlesex County Premier League

He may have just turned 19, but Fraveeze Maharoof already has his opponents stumped.

Stanmore's seam bowler is already being touted for the full Sri Lanka side, and looks like sending many a batsman sobbing all the way back to the pavilion this season.

Maharoof, who is with the team on a scholarship, showed his potential in Stanmore's season opener as they strolled to victory against Richmond with a convincing seven-wicket win.

"He's going to be a great asset to us," said club treasurer John Carter. "He's played for the Sri Lanka under-19 side, but is a bit too young for the A side.

"He's quick, accurate and liable to get into the full Sri Lanka team in the future."

His tally against Richmond was decent taking two wickets from 19 overs, including five maidens. He also hit an unbeaten 32.

But what the statistics don't show is the youngster's buckets of confidence displayed by his massive hit which resulted in a six to wrap up the match.

Maharoof is not the only prospect Stanmore have as they vie for the Middlesex Premier League title.

Batsman Sachin Patel, Richard Brooker (who hit 113 in a cup match against High Wycombe on Sunday) and Alastair Fraser are set to give the opposition major headaches.

Richmond simply could not match them.

First to bat, they finished at 181 all out after 59 overs. They had no real reply to the bowling of Glenn White and Daminda Wijesekera, who took six wickets between them.

Stanmore seemed to be enjoying themselves in their spell with the bat.

Patel hit 82 runs and Maharoof closed the game in style. Their successful start to the season continued on Sunday as they beat High Wycombe in the ECB national club cricket tournament by 20 runs.