Sport360’s UAE Academy Award

Sport360’s UAE Academy Award – Hrithik Bhatia

Brendon Netto

19:04 16/10/2017

Every week, we feature a top performer from the extensive pool of cricket talent in the United Arab Emirates.

From the many blossoming cricketers in the region, we name a standout player from each round of the U-17 league organised by the Emirates Cricket Board.

CRICKETER OF THE WEEK – HRITHIK BHATIA

Hrithik Bhatia is our award winner this week after his match-winning innings helped G-Force Academy to a 105-run win over UAE Desert Cubs Cricket Academy on Saturday.

The right-handed batsman scored 106 runs from just 68 deliveries to help his side post a mammoth score of 208/6 in the first innings.

Batting at number four, his innings included eight boundaries while he cleared the ropes on seven occasions.

Bhatia is an upcoming batsman in the region and was recently selected for the UAE U-19 side.

COACH’S INSIGHT

Bhatia’s U-17 coach Azhar Gul was full of praise for the young batsman.

“He is a regular performer, very consistent. He scored lots of runs in the NSL (National Schools League) as well.”

However, he was dismissed having faced just one ball when he opened the innings against Zayed Cricket Academy last week who won the game by seven runs.

“We switched him to the number four position this week after his duck opening the innings. Given that he’s a senior player, the middle order seemed more suited to him. We spoke this week about the responsibility he needs to shoulder as one of the more experienced boys.

“With his last performance he proved his talent and justified his selection for the UAE U-19 team.”