Glenn Fernandes delivered an inspiring performance when it really mattered, taking two wickets in the last over to seal an exciting four-run victory for Our Own Zenith against Modern Heros and book their ticket to the Under-15 ADIB National School League final.
All four semi-finals at Dubai’s The Sevens provided an entertaining fare, but it was the last match of the day that kept the players, spectators and coaches on their toes.
With both Heros and Zenith coming into the semi-final on the back of comprehensive 10-wicket victories, it was always going to be an intriguing game and that proved to be the case.
Batting first, Zenith had a tough time at the crease with Varun Ravi finishing with figures of 4-17 as they were restricted to 113-8 despite valuable contributions from Neil Lobo (44) and Anirudh Jagdish (25).
In reply, Heros batsmen did not have it easy with wickets falling at regular intervals. But they were still edging closer to their target.
With 27 needed from 22 balls, Ravi smashed a much-needed six to relieve the pressure but was soon run out three deliveries later. The tailenders scored the singles and twos leaving the game evenly poised.
It all came down to the final over with Heros needing six runs from six balls with two wickets in hand.
Entrusted with the task of bowling the last over, Fernandes rose to the occasion by first removing Govind Varma (1), before dismissing Hayden D’Souza (0) to complete a remarkable triumph.
Despite being the hero, 15-year-old Fernandes, who finished with excellent figures of 3-11, knew it could’ve been a different ending.
“I was really under pressure and there was excitement for both sides,” said the spinner. “The game could have gone either way.
“I knew a lot of burden was on me but I bowled the same ball at the same angles. Thankfully it worked and I’m happy I did the team proud.”
Watching from the sidelines was his coach Fostus Xavier and he had no worries when Fernandes took the ball in the crucial over.
“I’ve known him for more than five years now and I always knew he had the potential to deliver when it mattered,” he said.
“It was a little bit tense watching the game especially in the last over, but I and most importantly the team had belief in Glenn and he duly delivered.”
Zenith will return to Dubai this weekend for the title decider against Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) after the capital side overcame IHS Knights by 63 runs in their last-four game.
In-form batsman Jonathan Figy, who scored a century in the quarter-final, carried on from where he left off with another superb all-round display.
Although the opener missed his fourth century in the tournament by 13 runs, it was crucial for the team given that only Dan Fernandes reached double figures (12) in ADIS’ total of 155.
Figy hit nine fours and four sixes in his 62-ball knock.
With an achievable target, Knights would have fancied their chances. But Figy had other ideas.
The 14-year-old and last season’s MVP, came up with the goods with the ball, claiming three wickets including opener V. Ram Prajwal (10), Elred Rego (0) and Sachin Kumar (25).
The left-arm pacer’s scalps saw Knights being bowled out for 92 and helped in maintaining ADIS’ perfect record of six wins from six matches this season.
“This was one of our tough games,” said Figy. “The Knights really competed well, played as a unit and bowled to their strengths.
“But I’m extremely pleased how my team-mates have responded because we fielded extremely well. I’m happy that whatever we are learning in practice is paying off.”
His opposite number Olan Pinto lamented the result but praised his team-mates for a good show.
“Coming up against Abu Dhabi Indian School was always going to be tough as they had won all their games so far,” said the 15-year-old.
“We bowled extremely well and didn’t give too many wides. But our batting wasn’t that good and I think that was the difference.
“But the team can be really proud they reached the semi-finals and we will come back even stronger next year,” he added.
