Dubai: Newly formed Kricket’s Spero Academy displayed their potential by reaching the final of the fourth Shyam Bhatia Cricket for Care U-16 Inter Academy Tournament at the Sevens Rugby Club Cricket Grounds. They will take on Zayed Cricket Academy in the final.
Though debutants in the prestigious Dubai Cricket Council tournament, Kricket’s Spero downed the formidable and regular finalists Desert Cubs Academy by seven wickets in the semi-final. Zayed Academy outplayed champions G Force Cricket Academy by 73 runs in another semi-final.
Speaking to Gulf News, Kricket Spero’s Academy Director CTK Mashood said: “To reach the final of a tournament in our very first tournament is a great boost. We are delighted with the performance of the boys and this shows that there is no shortage of talent in this region and all that is needed is proper guidance.”
Ranji Trophy player Sony Cheruvathoor is the head coach of the academy.
In the first semi-final, Zayed Academy won the toss and posted 183 for 2 in 25 overs. Jonathan Figy topscored with an unbeaten 91 off 76 balls with three fours and a six while Osama Hassan chipped in with 63 runs off 61 balls. G Force were restricted to 110 for 7 through Anirudh Duggal (3 for 16) and Hassan’s 2 for 21 spells.
The second semi-final saw Desert Cubs posting 145 for 9 from 25 overs. Miling Dongre topscored with 53 runs while Neil Lobo scored 32. Though Kricket’s Spero lost both openers early, Tushar Tagnait, who was later named player of the match, cracked an unbeaten 84 and, along with Varun Fahad (31), ensured the victory in 21.1 overs. Tushar’s innings, which took just 62 balls, was studded with two sixes and seven boundaries.
Brief scores (semi-finals):
Zayed Cricket Academy bt G Force Cricket Academy by 73 runs Zayed CA 183 for 2 in 25 overs (Jonathan Figy 91 n.o., Osama Hassan 63) G Force 110 for 7 in 25 overs (Sanjeev Murathy 22 n.o., Devansh Popley 21; Anirudh Duggal 3 for 16, Osama Hassan 2 for 21). Man of the match: Osama Hassan.
Kricket’s Spero Academy bt Desert Cubs by 7 wickets. Desert Cubs 145 for 9 in 25 overs (Milind Dongre 53, Neil Lobo 32; Ronak Panoji 2/22) Kricket’s Spero 150 for 3 in 21.1 overs (Tushar Tagnait 84 n.o., Mohammad Fahad 31; Dillon 2/24). Man of the match: Tushar Tagnait.
