Champions Al-Barkaat confident of retaining title

Defending champions Al Barkaat (Kurla) coach Nafees Khan (right) talks to his boys during a training session yesterday

Having completed a hat-trick of title triumphs, Al- Barkaat English High School (Kurla) are determined to extend their winning run by winning their fourth consecutive title in the MSSA Harris Shield inter-school cricket tournament that commences on Tuesday. The Kurla boys had emerged champions in the 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 (the last edition) seasons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was not conducted in the last two years.

Skipper Yaseen excited

Captain Yaseen Saudagar, 15, is confident Al-Barkaat will win again. "My teammates and I are very excited and high on confidence that we can win this title for the fourth time in succession. It would be a historic moment for us in this landmark edition as the tournament celebrates 125 years," Yaseen told mid-day after a practice session. Al Barkat coach Nafees Khan mentioned that despite the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, his team have prepared well. "The boys were getting frustrated since they could not play cricket, but once the situation improved in the city in December, we gradually began light training indoors. We started net sessions in January," he said.

Don Bosco all set

Don Bosco (Matunga), who lost to Al-Barkaat in the final of the last edition, have a plan to succeed this time round. Captain Shreyas Padhi, 16, said "We have been training and planning our strategies. We are focussing on ensuring our batters can build the innings and how the bowlers need to bowl as per the situation."

Don Bosco coach Rohan Nagvekar has full faith in his boys to deliver the goods. "About 10 days ago, MSSA informed us that they have finalised the dates for the Harris Shield tournament. In a week's time, we held a selection process which was attended by over 80 boys from which we picked a talented bunch of 18 players. I have full confidence in their abilities," said Nagvekar.

Al-Barkaat play St Stanislaus (Bandra) in a Group A match at MCA-BKC ground, while Don Bosco take on Dr Antonio Da Silva in a Group B match at the National CC ground.