G Force Cricket Academy lifts GCC Under-14 and Under-16 titles as Bahrain return richer with experience on turf wickets

 By K.R. Nayar

G Force Cricket Academy emerged GCC Cup champions as Bahrain plans to capitalize on their first experience and return stronger for more matches during winter.  Bahrain’s High Performance Cricket Academy (HPCA) plans to capitalize on the exposure to shape their talented budding cricketers.

The victorious G Force Cricket Academy team

G Force Cricket Academy swept the Under-14 and Under 16 titles in the first edition of the GCC Cup held at the Vision Cricket Ground in Sharjah this weekend.  HPCA Cricket Academy and Noor Sports Cricket Academy from Bahrain and G Force Gladiators and G Force Strikers took part in this league cum knock-out tournament.

G Force Strikers defeated HPCA Bahrain by 108 runs in the Under-16 final that was witnessed by former Pakistan cricketer and ICC Development Officer Iqbal Sikander. In the Under-14 final, G Force Gladiators defeated Noor Sports Bahrain by 24 runs in a low-scoring encounter.

Gopal Jasapara, Head Coach of the G Force Cricket Academy, speaking during the prize distribution ceremony, said: “This GCC Cup was organised in association with the High Performance Cricket Academy in Bahrain. A group of 29 came from Bahrain for this eight-day long cricket festival backed by Premium Technology.  It is indeed remarkable that a total of 22 games were played within a span of these eight days. The contest was of a high standard as they all competed strongly. Given that these two teams from Bahrain have never played on turf wickets, this tour was more of an experience to play on such surfaces and compete strongly. I am delighted that they have achieved a lot from this tour.”

The star performers in the Under-14 category were Aryan Ashwin of  HPCA Bahrain, who bagged the best batsman award, and Dhairya Desai of G Force Gladiators, who won the best bowler award. Dhairya also bagged the most valuable player award.

In the Under-16 category, the top performers were Tanis Suri of HPCA Bahrain, who not only bagged the best batsman award but also a special award for hitting a century in this tournament. The best bowler and most valuable player award went to Shreyas Kumar of G Force Gladiators.

Speaking about Bahrain's experience and future plans, Gurumurthy of HPCA, said: “The Bahrain U16 and U14 team’s performance in this GCC cup is nothing short of spectacular. With no turf experience and playing against strong UAE-based teams that enjoyed the home ground advantage, the Bahrain boys have demonstrated great character and grit in adapting to the conditions and delivering against all odds.”

Gurumurthy, who devotes time to coach players in Bahrain, added: “High Performance Cricket Academy players are accompanied by their Coach Jesubabu Honeymen and Coach Noor. Jesubabu is a former first-class cricketer who has played for Tamil Nadu. We also have coach Prabodha Arthavaita who played Under-19 for Sri Lanka. I am very impressed with the cricketing infrastructure here at the Vision Ground especially the beautiful grass wickets. I am also impressed with UAE’s cricketing talent and their hospitality.”

According to coach Jesubabu, “This tour has been an eye-opener and an amazing learning experience for HPCA U14 and U16 teams.”

Premium Technology and Fintech, specializing in Banking solutions, were sponsors for this tournament. Kenny Leung, President, and CEO, Premium Technology said:  “We are thankful for the opportunity to get associated with the GCC Cup to support youth cricket in the region. I am really amazed at the talent and we look forward to these young talents to represent their countries and play in the IPL and other premier cricket leagues around the world.”

Brief scores:
Under-14 final: G Force Gladiators beat Noor Sports Bahrain by 24 runs
G Force Gladiators  87 all out in 26.2 overs (Shane Saldanha 22, Arjun Gadoya 2 for 8, Nirvan Shetty 4 for 14) Noor Sports Bahrain 63 all out in 20.3 overs (Nihan Seth 20, Samarth Saxena 13, Dhreya Desai 4 for 22, Aryan Iyer 4 for 13) Man of the match: Aryan Iyer of G Force Gladiators
Plate final: HPCA Bahrain beat G Force Strikers by 13 runs.
HPCA Bahrain 153 for 3 in 30 overs (Aryan Ashwin 61, Vishwaesh Gurumurthy 27, Sunish Sunil 19
G Force Strikers 140 all out in 30 overs (Fathur Rehman 18, Rishi 17, Neeraj Shah 32, Vyom Menon 1 for 10, Uddish Suri 1 for 10). Man of the match: Aryan Ashwin of HPCA Bahrain.

Under 16 final: G Force Gladiators beat HPCA Bahrain by 108 runs.
G Force Gladiators 161 all out in 30 overs (Sahib Abichandani 23, Ridhay Bhatia 51n.o, Vansh Kumar 22, Khushal Sunder 16, Rishabh Ramesh 3 for 37, Rishabh Ramakrishnan 2 for 19, Nihar Sachin 2 for 10)
HPCA Bahrain 53 all out in 14.2 overs (Shreyas Kumar 5 for 18, Aditya Bhatia 2 for 14, Saif Ali Khan 2 for 3). Man of the match: Shreyas Kumar of G Force Gladiators

Plate final: HPCA Bahrain beat G Force Strikers by 13 runs
HPCA Bahrain 153 for 3 in 30 overs (Aryan Ashwin 61, Vishwaesh Gurumurthy 27, Sunish Sunil 19)   G Force Strikers 140 all out in 30 overs (Fathur Rehman 18, Rishi 17, Neeraj Shah 32, Vyom Menon 1 for 10, Uddish Suri 1 for 10) Man of the match: Aryan Ashwin HPCA Bahrain.