As Al Barkaat strengthened their chances of reaching the 128th Harris Shield final, cynosure was on the sturdy Aakash Mangde who scored an invaluable 47 to help their cause.
The 15-year-old batter has been thick among the runs with over 200 runs so far in his first Harris Shield season in nine matches including the current one.
The Badlapur boy employed some of his favourite shots to good effect including the pull shot, slog sweep and lofted shot that fetched him a fair amount of runs including a maximum.
Aakash treated his team-mates and spectators to some fine strokeplay that enthralled them on a rather pleasant afternoon at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ground at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
The young lad began playing the game since 2016 and trains under his coach Amol Ghodke.
He has been growing steadily in the last couple of years having also represented the Mumbai under-14 team with who he has scored a hundred and a 70 not out.
Aakash feels playing the Harris Shield has helped him with some crucial learnings and he intends to work on them moving forward.
"I was enjoying my batting. Playing with a free mind is what I did and that was the key. We have to build partnerships, go strong with the team bonding and enjoy the game."
The teenager was a bit crossed with himself for playing a needless flick in the second innings that cost him his wicket.
"I shouldn't have played that shot,'' was Aakash's immediate admission when queried about his thoughts.
Talking about his daily routines and managing cricket and academics, the ninth-standard student explained his schedule.
"In the morning, 6-9.30 am I go for cricket training with my coach in Badlapur. Then in the afternoon, 230-430 pm, I have school practice and evening from 7-10 pm I have tuitions.
Apart from his cricketing schedule, Aakash enjoys working out and staying fit.
This is one young lad to watch out for in the coming days from the Mumbai school cricketing scene as he possesses some decent talent.
