A Triumph of Youth: The Emirates State Tournament
The recent Emirates State tournament showcased a thrilling display of cricket, bringing together young talents from across the UAE. With age-group teams demonstrating remarkable skills and resilience, the tournament delivered memorable moments for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Categories and Format
The tournament featured five competitive teams divided into three age categories: Under 13, Under 16, and Under 19. This structure not only promoted healthy competition but also allowed young cricketers to showcase their talents on a prominent stage.
A Nail-Biting Under 13 Final
The Under 13 final took the spotlight with an exhilarating clash between Ajman and Dubai. In a match that ended in a dramatic tie, Ajman emerged victorious in a Super Over. Dubai set a challenging total of 166 all out, with standout performances from Arush Kajaria (48 runs) and Eisa Shariq Divker (39 runs). However, Ajman matched their score, finishing at 166 for 4, buoyed by Advait Bhojnagarwala’s impressive 58. Bhojnagarwala’s heroics earned him the Man of the Match accolade, adding to the excitement of this close encounter.
Under 16: Dubai Claims Victory
Moving up an age category, the Under 16 final saw a battle of skill between Dubai and Sharjah. Dubai emerged triumphant with a convincing six-wicket victory. After Sharjah posted 204 all out, highlighted by Syed Rehan Thanveer’s 45 runs, Dubai chased down the target with ease, finishing at 205 for 4. Mohammed Shariq Lakdawala shone with the bat, scoring an impressive 76 runs, while Anas Ahmed Sher played a pivotal role with the ball, earning the title of Man of the Match for his exceptional bowling figures of 6 for 28.
Sharjah’s Under 19 Triumph
In the Under 19 category, Sharjah showcased their prowess by clinching the title with a 22-run victory over Dubai. Sharjah, batting first, put up a formidable total of 292 all out, with Noor Ullah Ayoubi leading the charge, scoring 79 runs. Despite Dubai’s spirited chase, which saw Akshat Rai contribute a commendable 85 runs, they fell short, ending their innings at 270 all out. Ayoubi’s all-round performance, which included key wickets, earned him the Man of the Match recognition.
The Role of Coaches and Mentors
Dubai’s success across all categories can be attributed to the relentless effort and strategic guidance provided by their mentoring team. Under the leadership of mentor Amin Farooq, manager Salman Farooq, and coach Gopal Jasapara, the players benefited from valuable insights and tactical expertise.
Coach Gopal Jasapara particularly emphasized the significance of the Emirates Cricket Board’s domestic cricket initiatives. He noted, “The Emirates Cricket Board is conducting many tournaments for budding cricketers, and that is why we have seen outstanding performances from the UAE Under 16 team which won the tournament recently in Qatar.” His words highlighted the institution’s commitment to nurturing cricketing talent in the region.
A Competitive Landscape
As the tournament unfolded, it was evident that the competition was fierce, with five strong teams: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, ECB Select XI, and Abu Dhabi all vying for the top spots. The performances during the tournament were indicative of the potential and dedication of the younger generation of cricketers in the UAE.
Brief Scores Recap
-
Under 13 Final
Dubai: 166 all out
(Arush Kajaria 48, Eisa Shariq Divker 39)
Ajman: 166/4
(Advait Bhojnagarwala 58, Shreyansh Dutta 35)
Man of the Match: Advait Bhojnagarwala -
Under 16 Final
Sharjah: 204 all out
(Syed Rehan Thanveer 45, Sayed Ullah 39)
Dubai: 205/4
(Mohammed Shariq Lakdawala 76)
Man of the Match: Anas Ahmed Sher - Under 19 Final
Sharjah: 292 all out
(Noor Ullah Ayoubi 79)
Dubai: 270 all out
(Akshat Rai 85)
Man of the Match: Noor Ullah Ayoubi
With the successful culmination of the Emirates State tournament, the future of cricket in the UAE looks promising, fostering a generation of players who are eager to make their mark on the national stage. The excitement generated during this event is sure to inspire many budding cricketers as they aspire to reach new heights in the sport.
