GEMS Modern Academy (GMA) Girls’ Under-17 side defended the Maxtalent Global Sports Vision Cup with a thrilling 11-run victory over Winchester School in Sharjah.

Bonfilia Pereira who helped GMA post 90-6, took 4-12 as Winchester only managed 79-6 in the 15-over format competition sanctioned by Sharjah Cricket Council.

Winchester School were in top form as they picked up the wickets of Jayati Sarkar (8) and Pereira (11) early in the innings.

Winchester’s Namitha Dsouza troubled the GMA batting and finished with 2-16. Shreya Shreeram powered 13 off 16 balls late in the innings to help put up a defendable total for GMA.

In reply, openers Sanchita Shekar and Tanvi Doddihal gave Winchester the ideal start with no wickets down in the first 10 overs. But Pereira broke the partnership, dismissing Doddihal (13) and later saw Nikita Goveas depart (4).

Wickets fell regularly, and despite Shekhar’s 19 of 28 balls, Pereira helped GMA wrap up the win.

Sudhakar Shetty, managing director of Maxtalent Global Sports, said: “It makes us proud that Maxtalent Global Sports is creating the heroes of tomorrow. And with the UAE national team benefitting from us, it motivates us to continue working hard.”