Colombo: The MCC-Zayed Cricket Academy’s U-14 team will start their campaign in the Nelson Mendis Challenge trophy by taking on Asian Grammer School in their opener at the Deshabandu Kumar Dewapura ground.
Skipper Abhishek Prakash, who along with teammembers, managed to put in some vital practice to get acclimatised to the conditions here, was confident of the team putting up a good show.
“We are very much ready for the challenge and keen to start on a high. It is very important that we get some points on the board right away and hopefully, we will be able to do that. The boys can’t wait to get on the field,” said Prakash, whose team is place in group C that includes Fingara International Cricket Academy, Asian Grammar School, Colombo Cricket Club “Buds”, Lankans and Royal Speed Cricket Academy. The competition has drawn 40 teams, including teams from India and Maldives.
Coach Yogesh Mistry, speaking about his team’s chances, said: “This team has been together in the academy for about four years and a majority of them have toured the UK twice as the academy’s U-13 team for the Sussex County Cricket Club tournament. Some of them have shown good potential and Sri Lanka will be another learning curve, playing in different conditions and against different oppositions. In my opinion they should do well.”
