Brilliant late-order hitting from Jalp Shah helped DPS Sharjah reach the U-15 NSL semi-final after a pulsating four-wicket victory over Our Own Zenith on Saturday.
Chasing 133 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, DPS Sharjah looked like they had blown their chances of qualifying for the last four after being reduced to 87-5 with 14.2 overs gone.
But Shah smashed a huge six to settle the nerves and along with Owais Sajid continued to pile on the runs. In a game that could’ve gone either way, the pressure was back on when the latter was run-out in the 18th over.
But Shah (26 of 18) held his nerve and continued to play his shots. The all-rounder remained composed and still needing one run, he smashed a boundary off the penultimate ball to seal victory.
It was a fine way to end the NSL campaign at Sharjah Cricket Stadium with the semi-finals and final set to be played at ICC Academy in Dubai.
Shah said: “I felt I was under pressure after the first two or three balls, but after that I started to get more confident.
“I didn’t want to miss any ball and in the end I just came down the track. It’s a good feeling to have reached the semis.”
But Our Own Zenith will go home with their heads up high. Mohamed Ajmal hit 52 (five fours, two sixes) to finish as his side’s top-scorer while Atharva Inamdar finished with figures of 2-21.
In the capital, Abu Dhabi Indian School made a strong statement with a comfortable 94-run win over unbeaten PAK Eagles. Jonathan Figy (43) and Akhilesh Ramesh (42) were the only two to reach double figures as Abu Dhabi Indian School posted a competitive 142-5.
But Abhishek Prakash ripped through the PAK Eagles line-up and was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-17.
Elsewhere, at the ICC Academy, Aryan Lakra picked up where he left off on Friday, claiming another Man-of-the-Match award as DPS Falcons (Dubai) overcame JC Heat by six wickets.
Lakra claimed three wickets as JC Heat, despite a brave effort from Ashar Zuberi (43), were all out for 101. In reply, Lakra, who took two wickets and scored 66 runs in his side’s U-13 win over Winchester Cobras on Friday, was out for one, but his team crossed the line as Rishab Mukaarjee top-scored with an unbeaten 30.
In the other U15 quarter-final, Akbar Khan and Ayush Walia took two wicket each as DIA Wolves earned a 59-run win against TMS Amateurs. Batting first, DIA Wolves recovered from a slow start as Walia hit 44 off 45 before retiring hurt.
A useful knock from Hrithik Bhatia (31) ensured his team posted 143-5 in their 20 overs.
Wickets fell regularly for TMS Amateurs, and their innings came to an end in the 18th over.
The semi-final draw will now be held in Dubai on Monday.
