Nikhil Menon hit an unbeaten half century to steer Bright Riders School (BRS) to their first cricket silverware this week.
They emerged winners of the UAE Xchange Under 12 Abu Dhabi School League (ADSL) after a clinical eight-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) with more than two overs to spare at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Opening the innings, Nikhil played the anchor role. He struck 51 not out off 42 balls and featured in two valuable partnerships in chasing down 126 for nine in 20 overs posted by ADIS.
David East, chief executive of both Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, said it was a privilege for children as young as 10 and 11 to play the final at a Test venue.
“I look back when I started playing cricket at this age back home in England, and I was playing on school grounds and municipality grounds, and I couldn’t have even dreamt playing a final on a Test ground,” said the former Essex wicketkeeper-batsman.
“I was lucky later in my years I played in many Test grounds in England and throughout the world. But at 11 years of age, I would have never got this experience.”
The U12 final was the last of the four ADSL age-group competitions conducted by the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.
“The ADSL counts eight years and the surfaces provided for these youngsters – at the Zayed Cricket Stadium and the adjoining Nursery Ovals – are international class facilities,” East said.
Nikhil, 11, who was playing his first match at the ground, said he cherished the moment and the atmosphere after playing a match-winning knock.
“I have watched international and IPL matches played at the Zayed stadium, and to get an opportunity to play at this grounds was like a dream for me,” said the BRS opener.
“I was very nervous and praying to god all the way until I reached the crease to face the first ball in the run-chase. I wanted to win it for my team and after sometime I felt confident.
“This is my first half-century in the school tournament and I will remember it forever. It was such a wonderful feeling for me to be able to play the key role in my team’s win.”
Nikhil, later named man of the match, shared a 66-run partnership with Soorya Sathish (19) for the second wicket and an unfinished 48 for the third with Krishna Pathak (36 not out).
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