KARACHI: Customs Cricket Academy (CCA) on Thursday were crowned champions of Rajiv Gandhi Under-15 Cricket Trophy after they beat Tamil Nadu by 47 runs at Marina Cricket Ground in Chennai.

Opting to bat first, CCA put up 129 on board in 20-overs. Saim Ayub, the right-handed opener who bagged two man-of-the-match awards in the tournament, top-scored with 56 runs.

He was awarded Best Batsman of the tournament award in a prize distribution ceremony held later in the evening.

Tamil Nadu, who were touted to win the tournament for their staggering performances in the past, were reduced to 87 as Badar Qureshi, tournament’s Best All-rounder award winner, bagged two wickets in three overs at an amazing economy of 2.67.

Twelve-year-old Mirza Saad Baig was awarded Emerging Player of the Tournament award.

“This has been a terrific experience for the youngsters. They are delighted,” CCA team manager Hassan Ahmad told Dawn over phone from Chennai.

“Playing against India in India was a big confidence booster for the lads,” said Ahmad adding that the 26th edition of Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Trophy, organised by Cricket Federation of India, consisted of 10 Indian state teams and one team each from Pakistan and Bahrain.

After winning and losing a game in pool stage against Chennai and Haryana respectively, CCA remained undefeated in three knockout matches.

“We got to face Haryana again in semi-final and the boys were determined to take revenge of the pool game.

“This was the first time that any team from Pakistan participated in a cricket tournament held in Chennai,” Ahmad said.

“We organised open trials for the tournament to shortlist a 25-member probable squad. The shortlisted players were given training and finally 16 were selected to tour India.”

To a question regarding the invitation to Customs Academy, Ahmad said: “The organisers monitor best cricket clubs around the world. This year they sent us the invitation keeping our past record of playing abroad in mind.

“Our first team to play overseas was Under-19 team in Malaysia in 2006. The team included Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah [who became number one Test bowler recently].

“We arrived in Chennai on July 24. Since then we have been playing matches. Tomorrow we plan to offer Friday prayers at Chennai’s biggest mosque and watch a movie.”

Ahmad praised the hospitality they received in India.

“Police has helped us a lot. They gave us top-notch security and our accommodation was arranged in Hotel SRM Grand to keep us away from the hustle and bustle,” he said, adding, “The ground in which our matches were scheduled was exceptionally well-maintained.”

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2016