ABU DHABI After a brilliant run that saw them enter the title round for the first time ever in a tournament in the UK, Zayed Cricket Academy fell at the final hurdle finishing runners-up.
Playing in the ninth annual under-13 Cricket Festival hosted by Sport Arabia Worldwide and Sussex County Cricket Club at the Ardingly College and Blackstone Academy ground, the Abu Dhabi-based club got off to a flying start winning all their group matches to top Group B.
“They boys did a commendable job,” said academy coach Gayan Silva. “We went straight in to the tournament without any warm-up matches. They remained focused from the start despite playing in completely different conditions,” he added.
Quality opponents
Zayed Academy kicked off their campaign defeating Dorset CCC before ousting Skillz Scorpionz Academy in the second match.
“It was a crucial tie against Buckinghamshire CCC since they too had won both their matches. The winner was guaranteed a place in the final. Despite cold conditions our boys put on a brilliant show to beat them,” Silva said.
In the final, they lost to Hert-fordshire CCC.
“I’m happy with the result. The most important aspect of the tour was to get the boys some exposure against quality opponents. And the results showed our boys were well prepared.
“We had extensive training sessions preparing for this tournament and we are happy that the efforts paid off. We take heart from this performance and will work on our weaknesses, hoping to win the title next year,” Silva added.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Fazal Shahid was the star batsman for his club scoring 229 runs including a century against Dorset and a half century against Skillz. “I’m thrilled that my contribution helped our team win. It was my first experience overseas and I enjoyed it.
“The conditions were tough since it was cold out there. We are used to training here in hot and humid conditions,” he added.
A student of the Emirates Future International Academy, Shahid joined the Zayed Academy just eight months ago.
“I want to keep performing and play professional cricket and represent the UAE,” said Shahid who added Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was his role model.
