New Delhi: Shivam Chauhan’s marvellous 81-run knock and Nitin Tanwar’s all-round performance helped Salwan Boys Senior Secondary School, Rajinder Nagar beat Kulachi Hansraj Model School, Ashok Vihar by ten wickets in the final match of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup U-16 inter-school tournament, played at Jamia Milia Islamia ground today.
Kulachi Hansraj Model School won the toss and opted to bat first. But they failed to materialised the opportunity and managed to score 148 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 40 overs.
Shivam and Vikas Dikshit led the batting line-up with their 45 and 43-run knocks respectively. Rest of the batsmen could not build-up strong partnership as Salwan Boys School bowlers Bharat Sharma, Sahil Sharma and Nitin Tanwar’s two-wicket hauls restricted them at 148.
In reply, Shivam Chauhan and Nitin Tanwar played unbeaten innings to achieve the target in just 27.3 overs. Shivam smashed boundaries all over the ground and was-supported by all-rounder Nitin from the other end. Both hit brilliant half-centuries and helped their team to clinch the Delhi-leg trophy of Coca-Cola Cricket Cup 2012.
Nitin, who represented Delhi U-16 and was the second highest run-getter (350) at the BCCI Vijay Merchant Trophy 2011, was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance.
In the Semi-Final matches played in last few days, Salwan Boys School beat Vidya Jain Public School, Rohini by six wickets and Kulachi Hansraj Model School beat Ganga International School, Hiran Kudna by nine wickets.
Coca-Cola Cricket Cup mentor and National Selector Saba Karim, former international cricketer Chetan Sharma and Delhi Daredevils’ Assistant Coach Sunil Walson presented a trophy and cash prize of Rs. 50,000/- to the winning team. The Runners-up team received a trophy and cash prize of Rs. 35,000/-.
Mukulit Bhatt of Kulachi Hasraj Model School was adjudged Man-of-the-Series for his 180 runs & 8 wickets in five matches. Best Batsman and Best Bowler awards were received by Shivam Chauhan (210) and Suraj Rai (10 wkts) of Salwan Boys School respectively.
Congratulating all the participating teams, Saba Karim said that these inter-school tournaments help children to develop pride and self-belongingness for their schools and fellow schoolmates. “Schools give us a lot and these school tournaments help in developing self-belongingness for schools and our neighbourhood. Later on, this love & responsibility grow-up for district, state and our country,” Saba stated.
The former international wicket-keeper also stressed that these tournaments create many chances to test cricketers on different pitches, conditions and situations, which improve all kind of cricketing skills among players. “...and it helps the selectors to find real talents at grass-root levels,” he added.
Salwan Boys School will join ten winning teams from ten cities next year. Among them, a 15-member Coke National Team will be selected. The Coke National Team, consist of best U-16 players around the country, will visit England and play against local school teams.
Brief Scores
KHMS: 148 for 7 wkts in 40 overs (Shivam 45, Vikas Dikshit 43; Bharat Sharma 2/21, Sahil Sharma 2/22, Nitin Tanwar 2/26).
SBSSS: 149 for no loss in 27.3 overs (Shivam Chauhan 81 not out, Nitin Tanwar 63 not out).
By Indian Sports News Network
