SUVEER Dewlall of KwaDukuza Primary and Kyle Chinakanoo of North Coast Primary clinched the Ilembe Cricket Union U13 double-wicket title at the country club ground on Saturday.
Sixteen teams participated in the U13 tournament with matches played on a knockout basis.
Nevlin Ramnares and Owami Zondo of KwaDukuza Primary did battle with fellow school-mates Zameer Khan and Adil Nzuza in the first semi-final. Nevlin clean bowled Zameer for a duck in the third delivery of the match, putting immense pressure upon partner, Adil.
But Adil battled gamely scoring 19 runs, which included three fours, before being caught by Siphesihle Temba in the fourth over. They posted 28/2 in their allotted four overs.
Chasing 29 runs for victory (at a rate of 7,25 runs per over) in the hope of advancing to the final, Owami was run out for a duck by Minenhle Ntuli in the first over. Their woes continued after Nevlin was clean bowled by Zameer for a duck, sending them crashing out of the tournament.
The second semi-final was a low-scoring affair. The left and right-handed of Dylan Subrayan and Neeran Lochan won the toss and elected to bat first. Neeran (2) was clean bowled by Suveer in the first over and Kyle got rid of Dylan (3) in the second over.
Chasing six runs for run, Kyle (three not out) and Suveer (four not out) needed just five balls to book their place in the final.
In the final, Suveer (21 not out) and Kyle (13 not out) batted first and posted a splendid 36/0 in their allotted four overs. Chasing a target of 37 runs for victory, Zameer and Adil posted eight runs without loss in the first over.
Zameer (6) was clean bowled by Suveer in the second over before Kyle bowled Adil (2) in the third over to be crowned U13 double-wicket champions.
The talented Suveer, who was “robbed” of a place in the Ilembe Primary line-up for the 2014 KwaZulu-Natal Primary Schools Championship in Durban scooped the batting accolade and was voted player of the tournament.
Bayanda Shandu of Dawnview was adjudged fielder of the tournament with Siphesihle Temba of Stanger Heights claiming the bowling award.
It is disappointing that none of the senior officials of the Ilembe Cricket Union, including the president, vice-presidents, secretary or treasurer were present at the Country Club Ground to encourage the children.
Nonetheless, Iresh Hemaraj, Delilyan Subrayan and Jimmy Naidoo (who were at the grounds throughout the tournament) must be commended for their commitment in promoting U13 cricket in KwaDukuza.
Parents emulated the example set by officials of the union with just four parents showing up to encourage their children
