Malla inspired by Indian stars

Nepal's Gyanendra Malla, who ousted UAE through an allround display in the Asia Cricket Council Under-15 tournament, models himself like Indian stars Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

"Sachin and Dravid are my heroes and I try to emulate them," said Malla, who hit an unbeaten 73 and picked two wickets to bag the man of the match award.

"This is the third time I am getting out after reaching seventies. My highest has been 78 and I have got out thrice at that score in domestic cricket," said Malla, who is a Grade 9 student at the Balsewa School in Kathmandu.

"I play for Yangal Club and they encourage me a lot. My aim is to represent our senior team," said Malla.

Skipper Shashi Kesari, who bagged four wickets for just three runs from his eight overs with his leg-spin, is a Grade nine student of Sreejuddha Secondary School.

"I began as a batsman but my coach Roy Dias taught me the basics of leg-spin. I am bowling well because of Dias' tips for five years," said Kesari.