Mohammed Riyan played a stellar role as the MCC-Zayed Cricket Academy were crowned champions of the U16 School ARCH Cup.

Three British schools travelled to the UAE to take part in the second edition, which was played in a league format – with the top two playing in the final, last Thursday.

Riyan smashed 153* and shared a 204-run partnership for the first wicket with Justin D’Souza (75) to set the platform for Zayed Academy’s 68-run win over English school Bedford in the final at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s Nursery Oval-1.

Riyan’s 137-ball knock was highlighted by 17 fours and D’Souza’s 80-ball effort contained a dozen hits to the fence as the Zayed Academy put up 261 for two in 40 overs.

Bedford in reply were bowled out for 193 in 34 overs. Oliver Thrasher (54) and Shaylen Tomlinson-Patel (47) rebuilt the Bedford inning from a precarious 55 for four with a 90-run stand but the partnership ended when the latter was run out. Jonathan Figy was the pick of the Zayed Academy bowlers with three for 26 from five overs.

Riyan, who won the Man of the Tournament award, amassed 472 runs in four games. Matthew Jackson, director at organisers Sport Arabia, said the tournament would return next year.

“The great thing is that all the teams are strong. The schools come here from UK and get competitive experience,” said Jackson.