Mixed fortunes for YTCA

MORPETH - Dubai-based Young Talents Cricket Academy’s UK tour started on a mixed note at the Longhirst and Morpeth cricket stadiums on Sunday.

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By Adur Pradeep

Published: Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:16 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:34 AM

While the U-11 team got past their opening warm-up match in a convincing fashion, the Dubai U-15 team went down fighting in their first match in the Home Centre International Cup.

YTCA chief organizer Shahzad Altaf said: “The tournament began in a good fashion, with all the teams playing entertaining cricket. The tough matches played here provide an ideal opportunity for the players to display their competitive skills. Our boys played well in both the matches. The opening matches were of high quality and the tournament promises to be an enthralling contest.”

The match against Morpeth Cricket Club proved to be an easy outing for the YTCA U-11 team as they restricted MCC to 89 in 25 overs. Nikhil Nambiar picked up two wickets while Aaryan bagged one. While chasing the target, YTCA batsmen chose the occasion to gain valuable match practice and made sure that they secure the win with five wickets to spare.

Asad was the top scorer with a delightful 20 before retiring, while Nab made an useful 17. Opener Aaryan scored 12.

While analyzing his team’s performances in both the matches, YTCA coach Prosanta Chanda said: “The Under-11 played really well. Considering their today’s performances, The U-11 team have very good chances of winning the title. Fielding lapses cost the match for the U-15 team.”

The U-15 squad, batting first, began in splendid fashion though they lost the opening wicket quite early. Adnan was at his attacking best, scoring 57 from 30 balls, while Vishak Chandrasekhar provided good support with 25. However a middle-order collapse curtailed their chances of making a better score than what they achieved eventually. Abhiraj and Abdulla chipped in with useful contributions, making 40 and 37, respectively. A flurry of wickets toward the end of the innings ensured that the Madanlal Academy restricted YTCA to a score of 163.

The Delhi team’s chase was powered by a blistering attack, led by their opener Sikander. He, along with Swastik, gave a terrific opening partnership to their team. Sikander made an entertaining 69, while Swastik made 22. Bharat added 22 runs.

Though the opening partnership took away the match from YTCA team, their bowlers ensured that it was a keen contest till the end. Sairaj Venkat and Vishakh Chandrasekhar bagged two wickets each, while Amarnath took one wicket.

“The boys are keen to put up a good fielding display in their next match,” the coach added.

pradeep@khaleejtimes.com

Adur Pradeep

Published: Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:16 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:34 AM

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