Sport360°’s ADIB National School League (NSL) champions Our Own Zenith will get a chance to add to their trophy cabinet when they test themselves against strong English sides during this month’s ARCH Cup in the UAE.
The Sharjah outfit, who defeated Abu Dhabi Indian School by seven runs in January’s Under-15 final, will join the capital’s Zayed Academy as the two home teams looking to make an impact in the Twenty20 competition, which begins on March 29.
King Edward’s Birmingham, Hampton, Ipswich, St John’s Leatherhead and Eton College are among the visiting schools that stand in their way of claiming glory.
For Zenith, it will be their first chance to come up against some of England’s promising youngsters having conquered the UAE’s best during the NSL this season.
Coach Fostus Xavier, insists his boys looking forward to the opportunity in the ARCH (Arabian Cricket Challenge) Cup.
“It’s a great chance to play against the good teams and it will be a good experience for my players,” he said.
“The English teams will have a different style to playing and we have to adapt quickly because it’s a lot different to what we are used to when we play teams in the UAE.
“They will learn so many things from playing in these games and the experience will certainly be beneficial for everyone. The boys are excited and as coach, even I’m excited.”
In the Under-19 ARCH Trophy, which begins on March 27, Dubai International Academy, Dubai College, Zayed Academy and ICC Warriors will be looking to fly the UAE flag high.
But they face stern competition with Eastbourne, Cheltenham, Radley and Northern Ireland’s Royal Belfast Academical Institution also in contention.
For Sport Arabia’s managing director Matthew Jackson, who organised the two competitions, insists it will be a great learning curve for all the boys. It’s crucial for the players to get experience in different environments and teams,” he said. “For the UAE-based teams, it’s very useful for them to play against international teams.
“Particularly Dubai College and Zayed Academy have found it extremely useful in developing their players and it’s a great chance to see where they stand.
“Given that the level of UAE cricket is improving rapidly and the sheer talent they have, the international teams will certainly be tested this summer.”
For the first time, umpires will be brought in from overseas.
“Umpiring in this part of the world is very different to what they will experience in the UK. It will be quite challenging in the hot heat but will be good experience for them,” added Jackson.