Ajman: Hosts Young Talent Cricket Academy (YTCA) emerged as champions of the 50-over tournament, co-hosted by Sama Sports, in Ajman.
Aimed at teaching youngsters to stay at the wicket longer, the tournament turned out to be a huge success. Future Legends Cricket Academy (FLCA), Metro Cricket Academy, Young Champions Cricket Club and Centre of Excellence Cricket Academy participated in this tournament which was played by talented Under 15 boys in the UAE.
After many closely contested league games, YTCA finished top of the table followed by FLCA finishing second. In the final, FLCA were bowled out for 144 in 43 overs. FLCA bowlers struggled to dismiss the YTCA’s top order batsmen. YTCA achieved the target in the 37th over and won the title by 6 wickets.
Speaking after the final, Mahesh Fonseka, director and senior coach of YTCA, said: “50-overs game is skill-based and tests the temperament, application and adaptability of the players. We are focusing to maintain a balance between short and long formats by introducing more 40 and 50 over games to youngsters.”
YTCA has also announced that 50 overs Youth Championship will be included in their calendar every year and plans are on to even stage a two-day format tournament early next season.
Giles Alwa (FLCA), Soorya Ramesh (CoE), Mohammad Fraazuddin (YTCA, 2), Mahith Fonseka (YTCA), Vivek Adithya (FLCA 2), Aarav Kumar (Metro), Vinayak Vijayan (YC), Macneil Norha (Metro) won man of the match awards in league games.
In-form Mohammad Fraazuddin of YTCA won the Man of the finals and the Player of the Tournament awards for his allround performance. Claren Joseph of YTCA bagged the best bowler award and Vivek Adithya of FLCA won the best batsman trophy.
Brief scores: YTCA bt FLCA by six wickets. FLCA 144 in 43.1 overs (Tanesh Suri 26,. Mohammad Fraazuddin 3 for 24, Adil Shoukat 2 for 11 Claren Joseph 2 for 30) YTCA 145 for 4 in 36.3 overs (Mohd Fraazuddin 66 n.o, Giles 2 for 21)
