Delhi Private School Dubai retain Al Sadiq title

The victorious Delhi Private School, Dubai team with the trophy. DPS defeated Al Sadiq by seven wickets in the final — Supplied photo

Aditya Shetty steals the show with his fine all-round performance in final

Defending champions Delhi Private School, Dubai put up a clinical performance as they beat hosts Al Sadiq ‘A’ by 7 wickets to retain the Second Al Sadiq Inter School U-10 Cricket title at the historic Sharjah Cricket stadium on Monday.

The much awaited final between the two unbeaten teams was expected to be a keen affair. But in the end the well drilled DPS Dubai lads just proved to be too strong for their rivals. Put into bat first, Al Sadiq found the going tough against some inspired spell by the DPS duo of Aayam Anurag, who claimed three wickets for just five runs and Aditya Shetty who claimed 2 for 14.

A defiant unbeaten knock of 16 runs by Mohammed Haseeb and Mohammad Fahad’s innings of 13 runs saw the hosts put on a moderate total of 62 runs at the end of the allotted 15 overs.

In reply, Aditya Shetty followed up his fine exploits with the ball as he stroked his way to 17 runs to set the stage for DPS, Dubai to cruise home scoring 62 runs with seven wickets and 4.2 overs to spare. Akash Radhakrishna also played a stellar role in the win with a well compiled knock of 16 runs.

Aditya Shetty was later named the man-of-the-final match for his all-round performance. Akash Radhakrishna of DPS, Dubai was adjudged the Player of the tournament while the hosts’ duo of Mohammad Fahad and Mohammed Ahmed won the Best Batsman and Best Bowler awards respectively. The Most promising player went to Tanish Suri of DPS, Dubai.

Prosanta Chanda, coach of the DPS, Dubai team attributed the team’s win to the hard work put in by the players and the support of the school’s principal Rashmi Nandkeolyar, Dinesh Kothari, Pro-Vice Chairman of the DPS and the efforts of the parents.

“It is a great feeling to have won the tournament a second time. I had great confidence in my players as they were unbeaten right through the tournament. Also, it was a proud moment for the Grade III boys to have an opportunity to play at the historic Sharjah Stadium which has hosted some the world’s top class cricketers. I thank the officials for providing this excellent opportunity,” said an elated Prosanta. The trophies and prizes were presented by Mazhar Khan ECB administrator and Principal of Al Sadiq School, Tajammul AM.

“It is a wonderful feeling to see these youngsters playing and performing and I personally feel very happy that we have provided them an opportunity to exhibit their skills and talents. I thank the support and encouragement I always receive from our school owner Eqbal Al Yousuf as well as from Mazhar Khan and Ali Anwar of Emirates Cricket Board and the school staff,” said Tajammul.

The tournament was supported by AJ Sports, Colts Cricket Academy, Arab Beverages, Barakat Quality Plus, Tiffany Foods Ltd., Iffco Distribution Services, Al Ain Waters, Wasmi Waters, Global Food Industries — Snacking Division, Crispo Food Company FZC, Do Freeze LLC and Al Rawabi.