NSL round-up: Abu Dhabi HS deliver big victory against Efians under-15s

Matt Jones - Editor 10:34 26/10/2014
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  • Gaining momentum: Youngsters have taken a huge liking to the new League.

    Abu Dhabi Indian High School Under-15s marched straight through Efians Army of the Emirates Future International Academy at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium yesterday.

    Abu Dhabi IHS made a statement of intent in the Sport360° National School League as their devastating bowling attack ripped Efians to shreds.

    Mohammed Azzan, Jonathan Figy John and Ishmeet Singh proved too much for Efians. 

    Man of the match John also went on to smash the winning runs as he enjoyed a superb all-round day.

    Efians were unable to make any headway batting first as Azzan led the way with a three-wicket haul, conceding only 11 runs in his 3.1 overs, but Singh was perhaps even more impressive.

    The spinner conceded one run from his only over, claiming two victims.

    He was economical, weighing in with two wickets for seven runs from his four overs.

    John would prove to be an even bigger thorn in the side of Efians during his innings, remaining unbeaten on 23, which included two fours, from 29 balls.

    Coach Dr Sb Dey praised the 13-year-old, saying: “He was good. He’s played for me in various age groups over the last five years. He’s even played in the 16-19 year-old team. 

    He added: “On both sides of the ball we played very well. This is just the beginning, our aim is to win the matches and bag the trophy. That is the motive.”

    The star man said he was pleased to play his part. “It feels really good to contribute to the team, which is the most important thing.

    “It was a tough pitch but we grinded it out.”

    In another U15 match, Tayyeb Ali clubbed an unbeaten half century as ISC Abu Dhabi Unicorns got their League campaign off to a flyer against Al Bateen Chargers.

    The 13-year-old, a member of the UAE U15 set-up, kept his nerve to steer his side to victory as they charged down a sizeable Al Bateen total.

    A youthful Al Bateen side had set Unicorns 125 to win and had their own half centurion in Nayan Mohamed, who was unbeaten on 50 off just 57 balls.

    His and Unicorns’ feat was all the more impressive after they lost a wicket in the first over to Patrick Powell.

    His knock included four boundaries, but he was outshone by man of the match Ali, who was 51 not out off just 39 balls.

    Ali follows in the footsteps of his older brother Daniel, who was a successful cricketer for ISC several years ago, and who now helps the school out as a coach.

    Also worth a mention was Ali’s team-mate Fakhir Ilyas, who took three wickets for 10 runs in his three overs.

    Late arrival
    Merryland U15s will perhaps blame their bus driver for a three-wicket loss to PAK Eagles at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium yesterday.

    They were over an hour late for their match after the driver failed to show up on time, and the game was reduced to 15 overs as a result.

    Even if they had been on time they may not have been any match for the Eagles who soared to victory.

    PAK won the toss and chose to bat and posted 117-7 from the shortened overs.

    Mohammad Anwar top-scored for PAK.

    The late arrivals had an unprepared look about them and they toiled in their reply, eventually falling way short of their target at 73-7.

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