Shoeb Khan scores ton for Al Barkaat

Al Barkaat Malik English School’s opener Shoeb Khan has been a vital cog in his team’s side this season. Continuing with his good form, he notched up his sixth century of the season on Tuesday to guide his team to a comfortable position against Rizvi Springfield on Day One of the U-14 Giles Shield Elite Division at the Fort Vijay, Azad Maidan.

At stumps, the Kurla outfit had posted 314 for nine, courtesy a 149-run partnership between Khan and Pushkar Vashist (62) for the third wicket to bail their team out of a precarious situation they were in at one stage.

For Rizvi, left-arm spinner Abhishek Yadav stole the show with a four-wicket haul for 66 runs and had the Al Barkaat batsmen on their toes for a long period before the comeback.

The 12-year-old Khan was ecstatic with his 121-run knock that came in 98 balls and was studded with 17 boundaries and two sixes. “It was pleasing since my team was in trouble. This is my sixth century of the season and I have really enjoyed with the way it has gone,” Khan said.

Khan, whose father is a taxi driver and mother a housewife, said his family gives him all the support. “My parents have always been supportive towards my cricketing career. They want to see me in India colours one day,” he added.

The youngster said the second day will be a crucial day for his school. “We will try to get them out soon so that we take a big lead,” he added.

Brief scores: Al Barkaat Malik English School 314/9 (S Khan 121, P Vashisth 62,
N Sandar 39*; A Yadav 4/66) vs Rizvi Springfield School