Rizvi Springfield Bandra and Swami Vivekanand International School (SVIS) Borivali have been involved in some exciting matches in inter-school cricket. These schools have also produced some exciting talent for Mumbai and International cricket in recent times like Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shah, Shivam Dube and Siddhesh Lad.
Both will lock horns in the final of the Khar Gymkhana - B. Khichadia Under-16 Suburban schools cricket tournament. Rizvi are the defending champions, having beaten IES New English High School, Bandra in the final last year. However, they were at the receiving end when SVIS beat them by 60 runs in the 2017 Khichadia final.
Both the inter-school giants registered resounding wins in the semi-finals to set up a final date. Rizvi thrashed Parle Tilak by 111 runs at Khar Gymkhana while SVIS knocked out last year finalists IES New English, Bandra at Karnatak Cricket ground, Cross Maidan.
Mayank Teotia’s hurricane century and good supporting role by Pajwal Rai (92) helped Rizvi post mammoth 319/5 in 45 overs. Opting to bat first, Rizvi made a sedate start, losing three wickets for 133 runs in 28 overs. The fourth wicket pair of Prajwal and Mayank batted aggressively thereafter to put on 177 runs before they were separated. In fact, both were in their 90s with just two overs to go. While Mayank went for big hits to complete his century, Prajwal , too tried to go for over the ropes, but failed to beat the long off fielder, who took nice well judged catch.
In reply, Parle Tilak boys never looked like chasing the target and ended with 208 four in the allotted 45 overs. The only consolation for the Parle boys was the century by opener Ayan Pathan (121).
For the Swami Vivekanand side, it was once against Ayush Jethawa, who grabbed five wickets and hit up an unbeaten 60 to see his side through. Jethawa’s damage ensured New English could muster just 117 for 9 in 45 overs. He then scored unbeaten 60 to take his team to the target with six wickets in the bag. Aryan Bhadhe (40) and Sourabh Singh (32) also chipped in with crucial contributions.
