Despite already being assured of a spot in the ADIB National School League Cricket Under-13 knockout stages, Abu Dhabi Indian School still put on a ruthless display of batting to claim an eight-wicket victory over The Model School.
They eventually overpowered their opponents to claim a fourth straight win which leaves them as just one of three teams in the competition with a 100 per cent record.
The Model School had conjured a challenging total of 87-5 from their 15 overs but, after an initially sluggish start, ADIS powered to victory thanks to a hard-hitting knock of 12 off seven balls from Nooran Thakur, reaching 89 for the loss of just two wickets and inside 12 overs.
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Thakur’s innings included a four as well as a meaty heave which cleared the ropes for six, but despite an impressive run into the latter stages, he is not satisfied.
“We’ve qualified for the knockouts but if we keep up this form I’m sure we can win the whole tournament,” said the 13-year-old, who is eying a clash with NSL U-13 powerhouses Delhi Private School Sharjah, who he believes will be favourites for the trophy, in the last eight.
“This is our fourth win which is important but we want the fifth. We’ll see, hopefully we can do it.
“DPS Sharjah are a good unit so we might have to deal with them but we think we can beat them.”
As for his contribution, Thakur said it was nothing out of the norm.
“That’s my normal game. I just come in and hit the ball and try to help my team win,” he said.
“I knew our opening batsmen faltered a little bit so I just wanted to come in and make a stand and do as well as I could, and it turned out well.”
Man-of-the-match plaudits went to Aaron Fernandes, who contributed in every department.
The 12-year-old top scored for ADIS with 23 off 22 balls, while also taking two wickets for 16 runs. He even added a run-out during The Model School’s innings.
Gary Frank (1-11) was equally impressive in the field with an imp-ressive direct hit to dismiss opener Abdul Hannan for 11 when he was looking dangerous.
There was double delight for ADIS assistant coach Valerian Fernandes, who got to see his side win, as well as his son take home the best player award.
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“He’s a good player, very athletic. He’s my son so I’m very happy about him. His batting, bowling and fielding was all good,” said Fernandes senior.
Despite ADIS’ slow start, Fernandes said the team were always in control. “We were a bit slow to respond but in the middle overs we controlled the chase and it was easy in the end,” he said.
“We panicked a little as the score wasn’t up to the mark, but we were 100 per cent up for it and we are looking forward to the knockout stages.”
