Inaugural Olcott – Zahira Legends Match (T10)
Olcott Schools in UAE wins Inaugural Olcott – Zahira Trophy while Combined Zahira team take Honours in Olcott – Zahira Legends Cricket Match in UAE
Inaugural edition of the Cricket matches between past pupils of Olcott Schools and Combined Zahira Schools of Sri Lanka residing in the United Arab Emirates concluded at Malek Cricket Stadium on Saturday the 3rd June, 2023.
Earlier in the day Combined Zahira team led by Muhsin Firaz outplayed Olcott Schools XI team and won the inaugural Olcott – Zahira Legends Trophy.
In the T10 game too the toss was won by Olcott Skipper Anuradha Jayaratne who asked the Zahirians to bat first.
Combined Zahira openers started slowly and their first wicket fell when their score was at 47 in the 4th over. For the combined Zahira team Aflal Sadique was the top scorer with a well-placed inning of 38 runs off 21 deliveries. He was supported by Imran Marso with a quick unbeaten 20 off 11 balls. Whilst Combined Zahira was heading for a big score, quick wickets resulted in Olcott Schools restricting Combined Zahira team for only 121 for 5 in the allotted 10 overs.
Olcott Schools legends in their run chase lost wickets at regular intervals as Zahira bowlers were tight in their line and length. Top scorers for Olcott Schools legends were Anuradha Jayaratne 15, Deeptha Premasinghe 14, Dinesh De Silva 13. The asking rate was so high, Olcott Schools managed to get only 81 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 10 overs. For Combined Zahira Imran Marso was the pick of the bowlers who took 4 wickets for 12 runs, Muhsin Firaz took 2 for 2 runs and Aftal Sadique took 1 wicket for 4 runs.
Scores:
Combined Zahira: 121 for 5 wickets in 10 overs (Aftal Sadique 38, Imran Marso 20. Bowling Dinesh De Silva 2 for 22).
Olcott Schools: 81 for 8 in 10 overs (Anuradha Jayaratne 15, Deeptha Premasinghe 14, Dinesh De Silva 13. Bowling – Imran Marso 4 for 12, Muhsin Firaz 2 for 2 and Aflal Sadique 1 for 4).
Man of the match award was won by Imran Marso for his contribution from both the bat and the ball.
The Chief Guest of the event was Ms. Dinithi Weerasena (Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka for Dubai & Northern Emirates and also the Head of Chancery in the Consulate Office).
