KUUMAR SHYAM (DUBAI)
The Schools Cup final, part of the DP World International League Twenty20 (ILT20) cricket tournament, in Dubai late Saturday night was a perfect example of why wickets are so important in the punishing shorter version of the game.
The boys from Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi, eked out a thrilling six-run victory over Gems Modern Academy, Dubai, and broke into a round of cheerful atmosphere that resonated with a Junior Cricket Festival which is being organised by those behind the ILT20.
The UAE's flagship tournament and the second-richest franchise league in the world has its third season scheduled to be held over the first two months of 2025.
Batting first, the Cambridge boys posted a healthy total of 157 for two even without much help of sixes.
Openers Prithvi Madhu and Yayin Rai set the tone, scoring half centuries of 65 and 58 runs respectively.
In the death overs, Ishaan Rai contributed a vital knock of 15 runs in just five balls.
The bounce in the strides for the Abu Dhabi team members quickly started dissipating when the top order of Gems Modern Academy started belting them all over the park at the ICC Academy grounds.
The punishment would have been much severe, had Cambridge not got a lucky opening break with a misunderstanding leading to a run-out.
Opener Aryan Thapar top scored with 47 runs, while Sanjith Ram and Jaidev Gattani also made contributions of 26 and 24 runs respectively to keep the scoring going at a healthy rate.
Yayin Rai contributed with the ball as well, picking up two wickets for 24 runs. Both sides were guilty of sloppy fielding, but some lusty hitting by Gems' batsmen had the Cambridge boys worried at the halfway mark.
Yet, three more run-outs ensued and the rivals' chase derailed to underline the importance of wickets. Gems finished at 151 for eight while leaving Cambridge coach Renjith Abraham elated.
The sidelines of the event saw the Festival captivating attendees with a vibrant atmosphere where mascots, interactive games and food stalls engaged families and fans in a memorable celebration of cricket.