The important task of scoring continues to be neglected. Yesterday's Harris Shield Plate semis witnessed squad members, instead of trained scorers, buried in scorebooks
St Francis D' Assisi player Priyansh Rupani (left) was the official scorer during his side’s semi-final against Ryan International in the Harris Shield tournament at Oval Maidan yesterday. Pics/Suresh Karkera
Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) recently implemented Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar's idea of having 14 members in the side on a rotational basis, a move that would help every player bat, bowl and field. However, during yesterday's eight Harris Shield Plate group semi-finals, players had to shoulder another responsibility of being the official scorer of the match.
ADVERTISEMENT
During the Plate division Group 'D' semi-final at Oval Maidan, St Francis D'Assisi High School (Borivli) opener Priyansh Rupani played a vital role in his team's nine-wicket victory over Ryan International School (Malad), albeit not as a batsman, but as a scorer.
'I had to note down scores'
"I know a little bit of scoring and did it in one innings of today's match. I came here to play, but had to note down scores," Priyansh told mid-day yesterday. Not only cricketers, but umpires too are concerned about this problem. "Just like we are official umpires, there should be an official scorer for every match as well. How can we depend on players who are doing this duty?" said one of the umpires on condition of anonymity, who officiated another semi-final clash.
Ankit Bhardwaj in full flight
MSSA cricket secretary Nadim Menon promised corrective measures. "For these semi-final matches in the Plate group we had not deputed official scorers, but we will do so for the finals on November 29," said Menon, also a former Mumbai Cricket Association managing committee member.
All-rounder Ankit shines
Meanwhile, the Borivli side, who were knocked out in the first round last year, sealed a place in the finals for the first time thanks to an all-round show from skipper Ankit Bhardwaj (49 not out and 5-41). Ryan International won the toss and posted 107 in 38 overs. Karan Thakkar (36) and Advait Gangwal (34) top scored for the team. But an unbeaten 100-run second-wicket stand between Ankit and Vinay Yadav (43 not out) gave D'Assisi a convincing win in 24.3 overs.
In another closely contested Group 'A' semi-final at Cross Maidan, Hindi Vidya Bhavan Academy (Marine Lines) defeated Dadar's Balmohan Vidyamandir (English) by one wicket. Balmohan's Heramb Yadav's 107 went in vain as HVBA's Krutik Patel (50), Yash Porwal (45) and a crucial innings at the end from Manav Shaha (16 not out) and Parth (15 not out) helped HVBK chase down the 228-run target with just four balls to go
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
