Page 70 - WPHCC 2023-2024 Cricket Season Yearbook

U13 Blue
WPHCCC U13 Blues came together for the first time this year, with most of the team starting high school, and they wanted to play together. We had two sets of twins, Adhvik and Rithvik, returning after a few seasons away; and Abdullah and Ibrahim, playing for the first time. There were few experienced players; such as Eshan, Bhavya, Ronith, Shrey and Advaith. We also had a few first timers, Dhaksh and Hirun. Towards the end of the season, we even had Pranay, who joined our team.
We started the season in great spirit, getting to know each other; batting and bowling in alphabetical order and it worked magically to win our first game, chasing 144. Adhvik and Abdullah opened the batting, Adhvik hitting the first six of his career, and it began with a bang. Our first win was so memorable with so many first moments: Daksh getting 4 not-out in his first ever innings, Hirun getting 2 runs and Ibrahim even got out for his first duck. Ronit played the hero innings to score a quick fire 14 off 10 balls to win the game in the last few overs.
Then came the most challenging life experience ever, losing the next 15 games in-a-row. Which could be the record for the club, or for this age group. With each game we grew stronger, worked on skills, improved and learnt from our mistakes. In the last game of the season, we got the other team all-out for 72 and scored those precious 73 runs to win. Adhvik and Rithvik opened the bowling with Ridhvik as our top wicket taker that game, with 2 for 20 off his 3 overs and Adhvik also took 1 for 9 from his 3 overs. We had a stumbling start, losing Rithvik and Abdullah for ducks, then Ibrahim out for 3 and Dhaksh out for 1. At 4 for 4, we were in big trouble, then the next 6 batsmen shared the runs and they all remained not-out to get everyone to have a chance to bat.
Abdullah - wants to hit every ball for a six and take a wicket with every delivery. Natural inswing bowler with great passion and enthusiasm.
Adhvik - attacking opening batsman with good technique, just needs to apply himself with patience and practice. Needs to work on his bowling.
Advaith - built his skills as a wicketkeeper, with great extension and natural ability. His left-handed batting technique is great and he could become a talented cricketer.
Bhavya - all-round ability, competitive and he always put a price on his wicket. He could open the bowling, batting and our best keeper. He was definitely the best batsman with the highest runs.
Dhaksh - enjoyed hanging out with his mates and always had a good time. Always tried his best with batting and bowling, he never gave up
Eshan - another all-round talent, with great ability to hit the ball hard and tried his best. He was the best bowler, with the highest wickets.
Hirun - very talented, when he worked hard and tried his best, he would always perform. Exemplified as a true gentleman and very well mannered, always humble.
Ibrahim - kept developing into a very good left-arm opening bowler, with his tall height, he could get some lift and pace. His batting requires some patience and practice.
Pranay - only joined the team for the last few games, but he became a core part of the unit. His spin bowling and steady batting ability was needed.
Rithvik - tried his best, always wanting to bat and bowl. He was still developing his fielding ability, easily distracted by the planes or the birds.
Ronith - kept developing his fast bowling ability and continued as an attacking batsman. Another proven all-rounder with great potential.